While this parable speaks about the importance of prayer and persistence in prayer, the judge in the story can be observed, too. He is fearless, and I have to confess that sometimes the thought of that is enviable. What would it be like to experience no fear of man? No anxiety when talking to strangers? No concern for anyone’s opinion or disapproval of my decisions?


Of course, if I lived without any regard for others, I would become very selfish. Only fear of God might keep me from living exclusively for myself. That is why Jesus says this judge didn’t even fear God. But I cannot just imagine God away. He exists, and He is all-knowing, so I can’t keep secrets from Him. He is all-powerful, and I can’t resist Him. He is perfectly holy and knows my every shortcoming.


Fearlessness is nothing to envy because in truth it is foolishness not to fear God. But knowing that the all-knowing, all-powerful, holy God loves me – as He proved at the cross – I can both fear and love Him. I don’t need to fear men… nor do you!