Anna Russell Thornton

Jesus tells his disciples the story of the persistent widow to encourage them “to always pray and not give up.” We are not always told the meaning of one of Jesus’s teachings so clearly; yet even in its clearest, simplest form, this teaching can be difficult to follow. Many obstacles attempt to deter us from persistent prayer. Ultimately, Jesus’s encouragement “to always pray and not give up” is an invitation to abide in God’s presence. Unlike the unjust judge, the Lord hears our prayers in love, and His faithfulness sustains us through all the injustice we suffer on Earth.

The rivalry between Mordecai and Haman reveals the cost and the great reward of living by faith. When God extends us invitations to transformation, how we respond shapes our hearts and our futures.

Our “character,” meaning our integrity and personhood, exists because we are created in the image of God; through His redeeming work on our behalf, our characters can be transformed to reflect His.

In our fast-paced, hyper-online world, loneliness poses a growing challenge to human flourishing. Whatever new form this ancient problem takes, this psalm reminds us that we are ever held in God’s hands.

One of the most subversive elements of Scripture is the way the Lord elevates and cares for women. This passage might be read as a story about a man and his two wives; but it is also a story about God drawing a beloved daughter close, choosing her to serve his plan to redeem the world.

How often do we read the Bible simply to enjoy it? When we read for the experience, rather than the meaning only, we can enjoy the world of the Bible as we would enjoy the world of our favorite works of literature.