Matthew 15: 25 “Then she came and worshiped Him; saying ‘Lord, help me.’”
Dear God,
I praise You, because You are ever loving and merciful, and the Creator, as well as being God of all. I was formed by You and given life, with all the abilities that I need, to function and enjoy Your gifts; and I am truly grateful.
Jesus our Saviour, when on earth, was our example, because He treated all with love and compassion. The incident given about the woman from Canaan referred to in Matthew 15:21-28, and was to show the Israelite’s and others in later times, that their pride about themselves and nation, which led to contempt for all ‘gentiles’, was not as God would have people to behave.
How easy it for us of a certain group or church fellowship, to become proud, exclusive and feel superior, and not be as loving and as accepting of others, as Christ would have us to be, in the light of His teachings.
Every one of us have been created by You, God, and are equally loved by You, no matter who we are or how we are living, or have lived our life. It is good for all of us to remember, that every one of us stand before You our Creator, equally needing a Saviour.
Forgive me Lord for my non Christlike beliefs and behaviors, and bring me to the foot of Your cross again this morning.
The disciples wanted to send the bothersome, noisy foreign woman away, as she cried, “Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David. My daughter is severely demon-possessed.” Her need and persistence were pressing. How off putting it would have been for most, when Jesus did not at first answer her. This was combined with the disciples being all for, sending her away; followed by Jesus saying, ‘I was not sent except to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.’ Amazingly her answer was to come closer and worship Him. Her need of His intervention and belief in Him, were so great that she did not give up, and she saw the love of Jesus (that He could not hide), despite the indifferent words, and she continued to press her case. When Jesus believed He had made His point to the disciples and other Israelite’s that all mankind are loved and cared for equally by Himself and His Father; then He with love, acknowledged her faith, and healed her daughter.
I also have learned the lesson that it is good to press close to You, Jesus, and with persistence, continue to present my needs to You. Be my strength today, please.
Amen