Jesus told the
parable of the persistent widow seeking justice from a corrupt and uncaring judge in Luke 18:1-8. As with most of the stories Jesus told, he was using an everyday example to make people understand good vs. bad and how following God is always the right answer to any problem. This particular parable ends with Jesus noting how important it is to continue to pray for what we want even if we do not get an answer right away.
Persistence and prayer can break down walls and move mountains!
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. - Romans 12:12 (NIV)
Not violently, instead legally
It may seem that many of the courts are currently corrupt! Religious and speech freedom is on he chopping block! Judges make rulings that not only do not follow the letter of the law, but seem in direct defiance of the laws and correct due process. They may ignore federal, state, and city laws regardless of the level of the court reach of the judge or previously set precedents. They disregard God's laws, distort the truth of the situation, ignore facts, and seem to make their own rules as they go along. However, this does not mean individual Christians and faith groups do not have the right to seek real justice, instead it means they keep filing appropriate legal complaints and appealing wrong decisions made by unjust judges. Courts were not designed to push political agendas over the rights of citizens or to prevent law enforcement officers from upholdingd the law. Judges are supposed to be non-partisan and apolitical, know the law, and be trustworthy. So pray every step of the way in legal proceedings for God's grace, righteousness, and justice. Stand firm and pray that all the lawyers and judges are open to making the right decisions. If they do not not judge fairly, then be presistent, keep moving forward to the next legal level, and never stop praying for justice to prevail.
Let us not become weary in doing good,
for at the proper time we will reap a harvest
if we do not give up. - Galatians 6:9 (NIV)
Not threatening, instead insisting
Congressional representatives, senators, and state legislators (visit state and city government sites to find local conatact information) may not be concerned about an issue or even seem to care about those they are supposed to represent. However, they do care about being re-elected and if enough of their Christian constituents consistently call regarding an issue, then they may begin to care just like the judge in the parable. Do not threaten their politics or make ridoculous promises to remove them from their position, instead explain why the issue is important and insist they do what is right for the citizens they are supposed to represnet. Call and email even though you have called before and been disappointed by your governement representatives. Do not give up or give in. Pray for guidance before you call or email to ask God for wisdom in what you should say and that God will open their hearts and minds to really listen and then act appropriately. If they do not do the right thing, you still do not make threats instead you act by working to remove them from their position in their next primary and also vote you convictions in that election.
The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. - James 5:16 (NIV)
For more on making the parable personally relevant in today's world, read 4 Lessons To Learn From The Parable of The Persistent Widow on The Wise Believer blog.
