Luke 18:1-8 presents, when thoroughly examined, a number of interpretations depending on our context we interpret the parable as we read it. Given that, I’d like to highlight just one important interpretation that warrants reflection on our part.
That is, ‘God is not an unjust God’. It could be easy to conclude that the parable makes a comparison between the God and the judge. Indeed I think many of us feel that God is unjust and unhearing and this parable might strengthen our position. Yet that is not its intent. Rather its intent is mirrored in an earlier reflection on prayer (Luke 11:13) “If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”
Ps David Lose says …
“If even the most unjust of judges will finally relent to the ceaseless petitions of a defenceless widow, then how much more will God – who is, after all, a good judge – answer your prayers!”
The way I understand Jesus intent in telling the parable of the unjust judge is not so to compare God with an unjust but to draw a contrast between the unjust judge and God and us and the widow. The point I believe is to illustrate the true nature of God and the ease with which we can connect to Him through prayer. What we need to assimilate into our thinking is the truth the ‘goodness of God’ and ‘God’s eagerness to bless’. That will change the way we pray – those of use reluctant to pray and petition God find new freedom and confidence to pray without ceasing confident of God’s desire to respond.