This may be strongly deduced from the preceding
parable —
[ The ividow was a stranger not at all related to the judge ; but we are " God's elect," his favoured and " peculiar people." The unjust judge was not interested in granting her petition; but God's honour is concerned in relieving the wants of his people1. We may even address him in the language of holy David k — . There was little hope of prevailing with such a mer- ciless and unjust judge ; but we have to go to a loving, and com-
d ver. 4. e "XirioTria'Cri /jle, obtundat me.
' Eph. vi. 12. b John xv.' 5.' »> Matt. vii. 7, 8.
' John xiv. 13. k Ps. lxxiv. 22.
passionate Father1. The widow moreover had none to intercede for her; but we have a righteous and all-prevailing advocate™. She ivas in danger of irritating the judge by her entreaties; but the more importunate we are, the more God is pleased with usn. She, notwithstanding all her difficulties, obtained her request. How much more then shall we, who, in lieu of her difficulties, have such abundant encouragements ! Surely this deduction is as consoling as it is plain and obvious, and our Lord, with peculiar earnestness, confirms it0: nor can that be justly deemed tardy, which comes in the fittest season.]
2. In a way of reproof —
There is but little of such importunity to be found ; nor is this to be wondered at, since there is so little "faith on the earth" —
[Faith is that principle from whence earnest prayer pro- ceeds. If we believe the declarations of God, we must feel ourselves weak and helpless : if we credit his promises, we shall acknowledge his readiness to help us : and if we believe the reality and importance of eternal things, we shall most earnestly seek help from God ; nor shall we be unwilling to wait till he see fit to answer us. But how little is there of such faith in the world ! How few are faithful to the convictions of their own conscience ! How few maintain this holy constancy and fervour in prayer! How few can be truly called " a people nigh unto God!"]
If Christ should now come to judgment, would he find this faith in us ?
[Some live without any acknowledgment of God in prayer: they seem to have forgotten that there will be a day of judg- ment : others engage statedly in their accustomed round of duties, and satisfy themselves with an unmeaning recital of certain words. There are others also who under the pressure of affliction will cry to God, but are soon weary of a service in which they have no pleasure. Few, very few, it is to be feared, resemble the importunate widow. Few pray, as if they thoroughly believed the efficacy of prayer. If " Christ should now come, would he find faith" in us? He will surely inquire as well respecting our faith, as our works ; and if we have not the faith that stimulates us to prayer, he will appoint us our portion with the unbelievers.]
Address —
1. Those who live without prayer —
1 Joel. ii. 13. m 1 John ii. 1. n Prov. xv. 8. Isai. Ixxii. 7. 0 lie first appeals to us, and then adds, " I tell you," &c.