If You Try Sometimes You Just Might Find You Get What You Need

At our Free Store conversation on Saturday morning we discussed Jesus' parable in Luke 18.2-5, "In a City There was a Judge."  The story says that there was a judge that had no respect for either God or man.  In that same town was a widow that brought a case against an adversary.  The judge initially denied the woman's petitition but she was so damn (yes it's in the original Greek!) persistent that the guy finally ruled in her favor just so that she would stop pestering him.

Sheila started out by saying "she wore him out like some of our friends can wear you out" which made us laugh.  We talked a bit about how kids learn very quickly that they can often get what they want just by pestering the parents for it.  Marney said, "We just give em what they want to shut em up" which made us laugh.

As the conversation continued we focused on the character of the judge in the story.  We talked a bit about what a judge is supposed to do.  Somone said that above all a judge should be fair in determining guilt and in passing sentence.  George said that the judge "keeps em in line" which made us laugh.  However, the story says that this judge didn't give a rip about God or people.  George said "he's a devil" which made us laugh.  Rick said, "he's totally anal."  Marney said, "he thought he was a god."  George told us that this reminded him of "the hangin judge in Lumberton" that everyone feared.  When asked if he ever had to appear before a judge like that he said, "I been in front of some of them" which made us laugh.  George also told us, "Freedom is better than anything, even money."

At this point we talked about how the woman in the story could have easily given up her quest for justice but that she was persistent and refused to quit.  Rick made us laugh when he said, "Sometimes persistence will get you hurt."  When asked if there was a story behind this he said, "No, it's just a general observation."  At this someone said, "It can be risky to be too pushy or persistent.  Like if a kid presses the parents too hard and ends up getting in trouble rather than getting what they wanted" which made us laugh.  Another friend said that the woman could have ended up behind bars or worse given the character of the judge.  Marney told us about her experience moving recently and dealing with her landlord.  She said, "I wore him out" which made us laugh.

As the conversation moved to its conclusion Sheila said, "When Dave died I felt sorry for myself.  I sort of gave up.  I needed my friends and bible study."  At this we talked about the power of persistence and the importance of not giving up in the face of adversity.  Somone said that this parable was similar to those "underdog movies" like Rocky and Million Dollar Baby that can be so inspiring.  As Mick Jagger sings, "You can't always get what you want (no).  But if you try sometimes you just might find.  You get what you need."