Be persistent like a boxer and God will help you win

In Bermuda, we are about to experience the Match of The Year, as Somerset travels ‘down de country’ to St Georges to defend their Cup Match title.   

What will be witnessed is a fierce tenacity and an unrelenting pursuit to gain victory.  

It will be nothing short of exciting and spectacular, as all of Bermuda listens in and cheers for their team.

This is how I felt as I looked at the text found in Luke 18:1-8.

Relentness

18:1 And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;

2 Saying, There was in a city a judge, which feared not God, neither regarded man:

3 And there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary.

4 And he would not for a while: but afterward he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard man;

5 Yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.

6 And the Lord said, Hear what the unjust judge saith.

In study, this woman is described as being a pugilist or a boxer.  

She is seen as a relentless fighter who refuses to give up, no matter what judgment has already been meted out to her.

The judge in this account has power and authority on Earth. Yet, it is evident that the power and authority of God covered this widow woman. 

The power backing this woman was the ultimate power. As you look to leaders and those in position on Earth, you are basically subjecting yourself to trust their wisdom and understanding. 

The challenge becomes when those you should trust do not have a heart that is after God, like yours is.  

This means there will be an internal or subliminal disconnect from you and your situation.

Face it! Judges are not meant or required to operate with compassion. 

No, they have the law, which is ‘blind’ — impartial justice.  

According to the law, you are treated according to laws and by-laws (the written laws) that are steadfast. 

That is the law can be applied equally across the board, with no hint of personal bias.

Yet, this account introduces us to a judge who had no compassion. 

While according to the man’s law, this judge was most likely right; according to God’s law of compassion, the Judge could have and should have responded in a different way. 

Be it known that a judge does have discretion when it comes to making decisions. This woman must have been a Somerset Girl. Ha! Why? She refused to give up.  

She became her own help and she went after the only help that she knew could do something about this seemingly impossible situation.

The Bible tells us that the judge gave in to her request because her persistence became a nuisance to him. 

This judge felt that if he did not do what he could do and what he should do, that she would weary him or become, as it were, a pugilist or boxer who continually punched him under his eye.   

The word weary comes from the Greek word ‘hupopiazo’ and refers to strike under the eye (buffet or disable an antagonist as a pugilist), ie. to tease or annoy into compliance.

In essence, rather than being beaten up by her request, this unjust judge finally submitted to a greater authority than himself — God.

God will bother those who bother you. God will cause you to triumph over the injustices of the day.  What is your rule in this? You must be in the right in the first place.  

You must also be in right relationship with God. You must know your rights as a child of God.

When you walk in right or in righteousness, God will hear your cry and at the end of the day, you will hold the cup of victory!  

Keep praying. Your persistence will win out! Respice finem.

Dr Maria A. Seaman is the pastor of Shekinah Worship Centre, Hamilton Parish.