August 5, 2015
The LORD said to Moses and Aaron: “How long will this wicked assembly grumble against me? I have heard the grumblings of the children of Israel against me. Nm 13:1-2, 25–14:1, 26a-29a, 34-35
Funny, seemed like they were always grumbling about something. Think it was just that they would not let go of that control aspect of their lives and trust in God. They took all the offerings of God, from being saved, to being fed, to receiving water in the middle of the desert. But when it came to faith in that same God – they failed miserably.
Then move ahead about 1400 years and Jesus is approached by a non-Jewish woman for healing. He said in reply, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” But the woman came and did him homage, saying, “Lord, help me.” He said in reply, “It is not right to take the food of the children and throw it to the dogs.” She said, “Please, Lord, for even the dogs eat the scraps that fall from the table of their masters.” Then Jesus said to her in reply, “O woman, great is your faith! Mt 15: 21-28
Not that there weren’t (many) Jews who appreciated, loved and even believed in Jesus at the time, but we often hear of the Pharisees and Scribes who gave Jesus so much trouble – just like their ancestors in the time of Moses. And even though the non-Jews were considered the low-lives, the outcasts, the non-believers, the “dogs,” they often had even greater faith in Jesus than the Jews did. Here was a prime example of a woman who was willing to accept her title of dog, and still respect and worship Jesus. And, not only did Jesus recognize her faith, He honored it by offering the healing she sought for her daughter. That’s us beloved! Jesus came for all, even us! All we need do is have a little faith and ask!
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