1 Then He spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart, 2 saying: “There was in a certain city a judge who did not fear God nor regard man. 3 Now there was a widow in that city; and she came to him, saying, ‘Get justice for me from my adversary.’ 4 And he would not for a while; but afterward he said within himself, ‘Though I do not fear God nor regard man, 5 yet because this widow troubles me I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.’ ”

6 Then the Lord said, “Hear what the unjust judge said. 7 And shall God not avenge His own elect who cry out day and night to Him, though He bears long with them? 8 I tell you that He will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith on the earth?”

Jesus had been teaching the disciples about His second coming and His coming judgement of the earth.  He described a time when the earth would resemble the times of Noah, when only 8 souls were saved, and the time of Sodom and Gomorrah, when entire cities were destroyed. The disciples were feeling dejected and powerless.  Jesus turned the table and described, via a parable, what they should be doing in response.

First, Jesus instructs the disciples to not lose heart, they could not cease from praying.   His reasoning was simple.  If a pagan judge can be swayed by persistence, a loving God will be even more so.  God will not be outdone by anyone, especially a corrupt judge.  Though there may be reasons for delay, He is deeply moved by the prayers of His children! 

Second, Jesus described the condition of the earth when He returns.  True faith will be rare.  Just as in Noah and Lot’s days, the world will be spiritually bankrupt.  Wide-spread Christian persecution, unbelief and apostacy will be taking place.

Few would argue the end times are not near.  With stunning speed, persecution, unbelief, and apostacy have dramatically increased around the globe and show no signs of slowing.  Statistics clearly demonstrate rapid declines in bible-believing Christians.  Where Christianity is increasing, persecution to the death is increasing even faster.

From our Lord’s mouth we were told 2000 years ago what our response must be.  The parable is plain.  We must cry out to our father relentlessly.  Within His will and timetable He will faithfully and lovingly answer our prayers.  We must keep the faith and persevere.  The end is drawing incredibly close.

God bless,

Ron