Shall Not God Avenge His Own! Let us go ahead and start off with the verse that talks about this parable, which is found in Luke 18:2-8.
Luke 18:2-8 Saying, There was in a city a judge, which feared not God, neither regarded man: And there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary. And he would not for a while: but afterward he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard man; Yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me. And the Lord said, Hear what the unjust judge saith. And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them? I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?
Our Lord and Saviour had been speaking of the period just before His second coming that will soon take place as we see the signs are there, and of the perils through which His followers must pass through in order that they may be proven as the sons and daughters of God. Christ is surely going to test who we profess to be.
Psalm 7:9 - Oh let the wickedness of the wicked come to an end; but establish the just: for the righteous God trieth the hearts and reins.
Furthermore, we should, as I have said many times, we should examine our own hearts and see who we are because that is what the Lord is doing. We should as the Lord to reveal to us what we need to know so we can change and will not be found like this cruel and wicked judge who cared less for the widowed woman’s case.
Psalm 26:2 - Examine me, O LORD, and prove me; try my reins and my heart.
And we should all have peace to know that just as the Lord worked with the Old Testament Israelites, He will do in same manner for those in the last days; therefore...
Deuteronomy 32:43 - Rejoice, O ye nations, [with] his people: for he will avenge the blood of his servants, and will render vengeance to his adversaries, and will be merciful unto his land, [and] to his people.
When we look into this parable regarding the judge that the elder woman was earnestly and constantly approaching, he had no regard for the right, nor did he have pity for the suffering. The widow here who pressed her case before him so earnestly as we should with our loving God was constantly turned down. Again and again, she approached the unloving judge, only to be treated with contempt, and to be driven from him. Praise God we do have a Judge who stands over the universe who hears our groaning.
Psalm 38:9 - Lord, all my desire is before thee; and my groaning is not hid from thee.
Now, this wicked earthly judge knew that the poor widow’s case was a righteous one, and he could have relieved her at once, but he would not do so. He wanted to show his power, and it gratified him to let her ask and plead and entreat in vain. But she would not fail nor become discouraged just as we should not; we should constantly plead our case before the Judgment seat of heaven. However, notwithstanding this cruel indifference and hardheartedness of this wicked judge, the poor widowed woman pressed her petition until the judge consented to attend to her case. "Though I fear not God, nor regard man," he said, "yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me." To save his own reputation, to avoid giving publicity to his partialness, his one-sided judgment, he avenged the persevering woman that was to serve for himself, which would make him look good before the people. There are many in the world who do good, but they do it for self-gain and not true love for the suffering. God sees and reads the heart and motives. We cannot hide from God our inner selfish purposes.
Jeremiah 17:10 - I the LORD search the heart, [I] try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, [and] according to the fruit of his doings.
When we look into the statement that Christ made, “And the Lord said, Hear what the unjust judge saith. And shall not God avenge His own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though He bear long with them? I tell you that He will avenge them speedily."
Christ here draws a sharp contrast between the unjust judge and God. The judge yielded to the widow's request merely through selfish gain, which is a deceiver, which is how Satan works through his agents like the antichrist popes of Rome where they appear like lambs, but they are destroying like wolves, so in likeness the evil judge appeared like a lamb with his helping her for selfish gain to deceive others from seeing who he truly is like Judas. The wicked earthly judge had no go intention to help her though he did for selfish reasons. He felt for her no pity or compassion; her misery was nothing to him. How different is the attitude of God toward those who seek Him. The appeals of the needy and distressed are considered by Him with infinite compassion.
The woman who entreated the judge for justice had lost her husband by death. Poor and friendless, she had no means of retrieving her ruined fortunes. So by sin, man lost his connection with God. Of himself, he has no means of salvation. But in our Saviour, we are brought nigh unto the Father ABBA. The elect of God are dear to His heart and we should never forget that no matter how dark the clouds Satan may put over our mind where he tries to misrepresent the character of Elohim.
We are those whom Christ has called out of darkness into His marvelous light, to show forth His praises, to shine as lights amid the darkness of the world. The unjust earthly judge had no special interest in the widow who came to him for deliverance and pleaded so much, yet in order to rid himself of her pitiful appeals, he heard her plea, and delivered her from her adversary. But God loves His children with infinite love. To Him the dearest object on earth is His church.
Jeremiah 31:3 - The LORD hath appeared of old unto me, [saying], Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee.
Furthermore, we read…
Deuteronomy 32:9 - For the LORD'S portion [is] his people; Jacob [is] the lot of his inheritance. He found him in a desert land, and in the waste howling wilderness; he led him about, he instructed him, he kept him as the apple of his eye.
And so, as we understand the widow's prayer, "Avenge me"--"do me justice" “of mine adversary," represents the prayer of God's children throughout the existence of mankind. Satan is their great adversary. He is the "accuser of our brethren,” who accuses them before God day and night (Revelation 12:10). He is continually working to misrepresent and accuse, to deceive and destroy the people of God. And it is for deliverance from the power of Satan and his followers that in this parable Christ teaches His disciples to pray.
In the prophecy of Zechariah, the prophet of God is brought to view Satan's accusing work, and the work of Christ in resisting the adversary of His people. The prophet says, "He showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the Lord, and Satan standing at his right hand to resist him. And the Lord said unto Satan, The Lord rebuke thee, O Satan; even the Lord that hath chosen Jerusalem rebuke thee: is not this a brand plucked out of the fire? Now Joshua was clothed with filthy garments, and stood before the angel." Zechariah 3:1-3.
Praise His mighty Name and have peace that this is what the Lord will do for thou if we be faithful and obedient and strive to overcome each step of the way. We have a great God in heaven who is overseeing us and our walk. And when we look deeper into this, we can see how the children of God are represented as a criminal on trial. Joshua, as high priest, is seeking for a blessing for his people, who are in great affliction. While he is pleading before God, Satan is standing at his right hand as his adversary. He is accusing the elect of God, and making their case appear as desperate as possible. He presents before the Lord their evil doings and their defects of character. He shows their faults and failures, hoping they will appear as such a character in the eyes of Christ that He will render them no help in their great need. Joshua, as the representative of God's children, stands under condemnation, clothed with filthy garments. Aware of the sins of his people, he is weighed down with discouragement as so many of us feel. Satan is pressing upon Joshua’s soul a sense of great guiltiness that makes him feel almost hopeless. Yet, there Joshua stands as a humble servant, with Satan arrayed against him. Let us do the same thing.
The work of Satan as an accuser began in heaven against Christ. This has been his work on earth ever since man's fall towards those who are seeking entrance in the kingdom of God, and it will be his work in a special and strong work till the close of time. We can all feel it today. And have peace brethren in this; as we draw closer to God and we are nearer to Him, the more we are going to feel our sinfulness. Those who do not see their sinfulness and go about everyday life in the truth, they are in trouble and need to correct things that are going on.
Furthermore, as Satan sees that his time is short, and we know it is, Satan will work with greater earnestness to deceive and destroy. Satan thinks that by destroying more to his side, that we will somehow gain the sympathy of the Lord and not destroy all the souls who have joined with him in His rebellion. Satan is angry when he sees a people on the earth who, even in their weakness and sinfulness, have respect to the law of Jehovah. It is a crushing blow to Satan and his army. He is determined that they shall not obey God, and thus we are constantly beset on every side with temptations to draw us away. This rebel delights in our unworthiness and has devices prepared for every soul that is contending for the faith, that all may be ensnared and separated from Elohim. Satan seeks to accuse and condemn God and all who strive to carry out His purposes in this world — in mercy and love, in compassion, true judgment and forgiveness towards his brother.
Zechariah 7:9 - Thus speaketh the LORD of hosts, saying, Execute true judgment, and shew mercy and compassions every man to his brother:
Every time God works in our behalf, Satan with his angels will work with renewed vigor to compass their ruin. They are very zealous brethren. Look at the world today and the damage they have done to the majority of lives. Look at how many people come into the church and then after test, and after test and temptation and trial they go from us and leave thinking that they are safe, accusing and doing the same work of Satan.
Remember this too, Satan’s object is to instigate evil, and when he has succeeded, he casts all the blame on those whom he tempted to sin. Satan then points to their filthy garments, their defective characters, and we feel it. He presents their weakness and folly, their sins of ingratitude, their unlikeness to Christ, which have dishonored their Redeemer. All this he urges as an argument proving his right to work his will in their destruction. He endeavors to affright their souls with the thought that their case is hopeless, that the stain of their defilement can never be washed away. He hopes so to destroy their faith that they will yield fully to his temptations and turn from their allegiance to God.
Brethren, we ourselves cannot answer the charges of Satan, but we can stand there in faith in hopes and humbleness knowing our God will work in our behalf. But as I know more than you think, when we fall into this snare of Satan, we are ready to despair. But let us appeal to the divine Advocate who stands ready to pardon. Let us remember and plead the merits of the Redeemer. God can be "just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus." Romans 3:26. With confidence, the Lord's children cry unto Him to silence the accusations of Satan and bring to naught his devices. "Do me justice of mine adversary," they pray; and with the mighty argument of the cross, Christ silences the bold accuser Satan.
"The Lord said unto Satan, The Lord rebuke thee, O Satan, even the Lord that hath chosen Jerusalem rebuke thee: is not this a brand plucked out of the fire?" AMEN… And when Satan seeks to cover the people of God with that dark cloud of discouragement and ruin them, Christ steps in as He has always done for His elect. Although they have sinned, Christ has taken the guilt of their sins upon His own soul. He has snatched us from the fire. Through Christ’s human nature, He is linked with man, while through His divine nature, He is one with the infinite God. Help is brought within the reach of perishing souls. The adversary is rebuked.
"Now Joshua was clothed with filthy garments, and stood before the angel: and he answered and spake unto those that stood before him, saying, Take away the filthy garments from him. And unto him he said, Behold, I have caused thine iniquity to pass from thee, and I will clothe thee with change of raiment. And I said, Let them set a fair miter upon his head. So they set a fair miter upon his head, and clothed him with garments." Then with the authority of the Lord of hosts the angel made a solemn pledge to Joshua, the representative of God's people: "If thou wilt walk in My ways, and if thou wilt keep My charge, then thou shalt also judge My house, and shalt also keep My courts, and I will give thee places to walk among these that stand by"--even among the angels that surround the throne of God. (Zechariah 3:3-7.)
And notwithstanding the defects of God’s elect, Christ does not turn away from the objects of His care. He has the power to change their raiment. He removes the filthy garments; He places upon the repenting, believing ones His own robe of righteousness, and writes pardon against their names on the records of heaven; praise be HIS MIGHTY NAME. Christ confesses them as His before the heavenly universe. Satan, their adversary, is shown to be an accuser and deceiver. God will do justice for His own elect.
The prayer "Do me justice of mine adversary" applies not only to Satan but also to the agencies whom he instigates to misrepresent, to tempt, and to destroy the people of God. Those who have decided to obey the commandments of God will understand by experience that they have adversaries who are controlled by a power from beneath. Such adversaries beset Christ at every step, how constantly and determinedly no human being can ever know. Christ's disciples (his ministers) like their Master are followed through their fulltime ministry by continual temptation day and night where Satan wishes to destroy them and then devour the entire flock.
Luke 22:31 - And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired [to have] you, that he may sift [you] as wheat:
And as Satan wishes to sift us all, when we look into the Scriptures, which describes the condition of the world just before Christ's second coming, we can see why so many have fallen into the temptations of Satan. The apostle James gives a picture that greed and oppression will prevail. He says, "Go to now, ye rich men… ye have heaped treasure together for the last days. Behold, the hire of the labourers who have reaped down your fields, which is of you kept back by fraud, crieth: and the cries of them which have reaped are entered into the ears of the Lord of sabaoth. Ye have lived in pleasure on the earth, and been wanton. Ye have nourished your hearts, as in a day of slaughter. Ye have condemned and killed the just; and he doth not resist you." James 5:1-6.
This is a picture of what exists today as we can clearly see. When we look closely into the eyes of those in the world, they even appear to have no souls. They appear to not have a care in the world but for self and self-interests, and those of maybe of their own household. They will devour others to save themselves. And by their oppression and extortion from others, men are piling fortunes for themselves, while the cries of others are coming up before God.
Isaiah 59:14, 15 - Judgment is turned away backward, and justice standeth afar off; for truth is fallen in the street, and equity cannot enter. Yea, truth faileth; and he that departeth from evil maketh himself a prey.
This was fulfilled in the life of Christ on earth. He was loyal to God's commandments, setting aside the human traditions and requirements which had been exalted in their place. Because of this, He was hated and persecuted. This history is repeated. The laws and traditions of men are exalted above the law of God, and those who are true to God's commandments suffer reproach and persecution, mocked and called liars in the age that shouts “just believe… no need to keep the law.” Christ, because of His faithfulness to God, was accused as a Sabbath-breaker and blasphemer. He was declared to be possessed of a devil and was denounced as Beelzebub. In like manner, in the closing scenes of this earth’s history, the followers will be accused and misrepresented as Sunday-breakers. And by this, it is Satan’s purpose that these tested ones would be led to sin by walking away from God and pay homage to Sunday, and thus they will dishonor God.
And you know, when we look also further into the character of the earthly wicked judge in this parable, who feared neither God nor regarded man, this was presented by Christ to show the kind of judgment that was then being executed, and that would soon be witnessed at His own trial. And so, Christ desires His people to realize how little dependence can be placed on earthly rulers or judges in the day of adversity. Often the elect people of God have to stand before men in official positions who do not make the word of God their guide and counselor, but who follow their own unconsecrated, undisciplined impulses. We have got to learn to put on Christ and stand before them. Wherever we may be, we need to put on Christ and reflect them in whatever situation we may be in because it will prepare us for the days ahead. Amen.
In the parable of this wicked judge, Christ has shown what we should do. "Shall not God avenge His own elect, which cry day and night unto Him?" Christ, our example, did nothing to vindicate or deliver Himself. He committed His case to God. So His followers are not to accuse or condemn or to resort to force in order to deliver themselves. We must do what Christ did and show no fear but for the One in heaven alone. Let us remember these words and do as our Lord has shown us as He did in His Word. The day of vengeance is coming, and it is not ours to repay in words or deeds to the world. It is not time for that. That will be for our Lord to take care.
And also remember, when trials arise in our lives that seem unexplainable, we should not allow our peace to be spoiled by it. However unjustly we may be treated, let not passion arise over our Christian duty and stay meek and humble, for thou art before the eyes of the universe. By indulging in a spirit of anger, retaliation or expressions that do not speak goodly of the Lord, we injure ourselves and the cause of God. We destroy our own confidence in God and grieve the Holy Ghost who is working with us alongside Christ and the Father. There is by our side a true and faithful Witness, a heavenly Messenger, who will lift up for us a standard against the enemy. The angels of the Lord are there too in our presence. Remember that always! The elect will also be shut with the bright beams of the Sun of Righteousness, Christ our Righteousness. And beyond this Satan cannot penetrate. He cannot pass this shield of holy light.
And while the world is progressing in wickedness, none of us need to flatter ourselves that we shall have no difficulties because that is far from the truth.
2 Timothy 3:12 - Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.
Remember, it is these very difficulties that bring us into the audience chamber of the Most High. We may seek counsel of the One who is infinite in wisdom. If we do not have but an easy-go life, what communication shall one have with their helper? Many need to be awaken with trials to come before God. The Lord says…
Psalm 50:15 - Call upon Me in the day of trouble.
He invites us to present to Him our perplexities and all we need. If we are in a relationship with God, we need to talk to Him just like if we are in an earthly relationship. He bids us to be constant in prayer. As soon as difficulties arise, we are to offer to Him our sincere and earnest prayer. By sending our prayers to God, we give evidence of our strong confidence in God. The sense of our need leads us to pray earnestly, and our heavenly Father is moved by our supplications.
And I know how often many who suffer reproach or persecution for their faith are tempted to think themselves forsaken by God. In the eyes of men, they are in the minority. To our appearance, it may appear that the enemy is having victory over us, but it is far from the truth. Christ who has suffered in our behalf and has borne their sorrows and afflictions has not forsaken them.
We should all know that the children of God are not left alone and defenseless. Prayer moves the arm of God. Prayer has "subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the violence of fire"--we shall know what it means when we hear the reports of the martyrs who died for their faith--"turneth to flight the armies of the aliens." Hebrews 11:33, 34.
If we surrender our lives to the service of Christ, we can never be placed in a position for which God has not made provision. Amen. Whatever may be our situation, it does not matter for we have a Guide to direct our way. Whatever our perplexities, it does not matter for we have a sure Counselor. Whatever our sorrow is or no matter how lonely we may be, we have a sympathizing Companion in heaven. If in our ignorance we make all these missteps, Christ does not leave us as some would think. His voice, clear and distinct, is heard saying, "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life." John 14:6. "He shall deliver the needy when he crieth; the poor also, and him that hath no helper." Psalm 72:12.
The Lord declares that He will be honored by those who draw nigh to Him, who faithfully do His service. "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on Thee, because he trusteth in Thee." Isaiah 26:3. The arm of the Lord is outstretched to lead us onward in victory and still onward till His appearing. Trust in Him and we shall not go wrong. Go forward, the Lord says; I will send you help. It is for My name's glory that you ask, and you shall receive. I will be honored before those who are watching for your failure. They shall see My word triumph gloriously. "All things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive." Matthew 21:22.
You, who feel the most unworthy, fear not to commit your case unto God. When He gave Himself in Christ for the sin of the world, He undertook the case of every soul. "He that spared not His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?" Romans 8:32. Will He not fulfill the gracious word given for our encouragement and strength? He is True and Faithful. He does not lie!
We should ever keep before our minds that Christ truly desires so much to redeem us from the dominion of Satan. But before Christ can deliver us from Satan's dominion from without, we must be delivered from Satan’s power within. And thus, the Lord permits trials to occur in our life in order that we may be cleansed from worldliness, from all evils of selfishness, from harsh things, unchristlike traits of unrighteous characters that are seen in those of the world. We must come out from all this.
Next, and another thing that we need to understand about the poor widowed woman in this parable who is likened to us, the bride, the woman, which is the church of God, the Saviour manifested divine compassion toward the crying woman. His heart was touched as He saw her grief. He longed to give her an immediate assurance that her prayer was heard, but Christ desired to teach His disciples a lesson in this, for a time it seemed the Saviour had neglected the cries of her pain-stricken heart. When her faith had been made manifest, He spoke to her words of commendation and sent her away with the precious favor she had asked. The disciples never forgot this lesson, and it is placed on record to show the result of persevering prayer for all saints to read and understand. It was Christ Himself who put into that widow’s heart the persistence which would not be repulsed. It was Christ who gave the pleading widow courage and to have determination before the wicked judge. She was an instrument used by God to stir up the wicked judge’s heart to do good in hopes that he would do justly and not for self-gain. So, Christ led on His servant to seek justice.
In this little speck of a world, the entire heavenly universe manifests the greatest interest for Christ has paid an infinite price for the souls of its inhabitants. The world's Redeemer has bound this earth to heaven for the redeemed of the Lord are here. Amen. Let us be of good courage brethren. The heavenly angels still visit the earth as in the days when they walked and talked with Abraham and with Moses. They are standing beside you now, watching over your life and moves you make, helping you and guiding you in this work, in this walk to the city of God. Let us be not as this wicked judge and learn to do good always, not for selfish gain, but because it is the loving thing to do.
We need to understand better than we do the mission of the angel’s visitations. It is good to consider that in all our work, we have the cooperation and care of all of heaven. The invisible armies of the Lord God of Israel are here in great power and might who will attend to all the meek and lowly ones who believe and claim the promises of God, who obey the law of God where God is writing them and strive daily to overcome. Cherubim and seraphim angels that excel in strength—ten thousand times ten thousand and thousands of thousands—stand at His right hand, "all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation." Hebrews 1:14.
Let us be of good courage and remember…
Hebrews 10:35-37 - Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompense of reward. For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise. For yet a little while, and He that shall come will come, and will not tarry.
James 5:7, 8 - Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain. Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts; for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh.
The time is near dear family of the Lord when He will say, "Come, My people, enter thou into thy chambers, and shut thy doors about thee: hide thyself as it were for a little moment, until the indignation be overpast. For, behold, the Lord cometh out of His place to punish the inhabitants of the earth for their iniquity; the earth also shall disclose her blood, and shall no more cover her slain." Isaiah 26:20, 21.
Soon, the cries of the saints of God on the earth will no longer be seen as unanswered prayers. The wicked are soon to receive their reward. So, as we are living in these last days, let us continue to examine our hearts as God will test them and reveal to us what needs to go. Let us cast down all the idols that we may be harboring in our lives and cast them to the ground and break them to pieces. Allow the Lord to mold us now before it is too late. Many are standing on the line of separation playing around and not fully decided on who they will serve. Let us not slow down the work of God any longer by our selfishness. Let go of all that will not be permitted in heaven because soon the great time of trouble is going to begin.
In closing, let us also remember, whatever crosses we have been called to bear, whatever field we are in, whatever losses we have sustained in this world, whatever persecution we have suffered, even to the loss of our temporal needs in life, the children of God are amply recompensed. "They shall see His face; and His name shall be in their foreheads." Revelation 22:4. God shall avenge His Saints. PEACE UNTO YOU ALL THIS DAY…God bless to the saints of the Lord God of Israel.