Today's verse

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

Luke 18:1-8 (KJV)

We live in a time when persecution against Christians worldwide is increasing. One example is the case of Asia Bibi, a Pakistani mother who has been imprisoned for almost five years for "blasphemy". Nor is persecution of Christians is not limited to countries like Pakistan with large Muslim populations. Communist countries such as China and North Korea are infamous for their treatment of Christians. Even in the United States, there is heated opposition to the notion of giving Christians freedom of religion.

Jesus warned His followers that they would be persecuted, and like everything else He said this has come to pass. Yet the Parable of the Unjust Judge reminds us that God is a god of justice. The rich and powerful of this world who are using what God has blessed them with to persecute Christians will eventually be held accountable for their injustice.

Above all, Christians are not to respond in kind. When the world rapes, tortures and persecutes us, we are not to do the same to them. When the CEO of Apple (who is gay) demands the right to force his beliefs on Christians, we are not to discriminate against homosexuals in retaliation. Judgement is reserved for the Judge, and Christians are not to usurp God's place by judging others. We are to proclaim the coming of the Kingdom, not try to bring it about ourselves. "Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord." (Romans 12:19). We Christians need to remember this.