Well, Father, not everything today went as planned but You reminded me in the midst of it that, it is most assuredly not about me. But it is about You. Thank You for You. Thank You for being who You are to me. I would be lost (in oh so many ways) without You.
Mark 7:24-30 (<<click to read the passage)
Before we go any further, we must read this passage from the Amplified Bible.
…after hearing about [Jesus], a woman whose little daughter had an unclean spirit immediately came and fell at His feet. 26Now the woman was a Gentile (Greek), a Syrophoenician by nationality. And she kept pleading with Him to drive the demon out of her daughter. 27He was saying to her, “First let the children [of Israel] be fed, for it is not right to take the children’s bread and throw it to the pet dogs (non-Jews).” 2 But she replied, “Yes, Lord, but even the pet dogs under the table eat the children’s crumbs.” 29And He said to her, “Because of this answer [reflecting your humility and faith], go [knowing that your request is granted]; the demon has left your daughter [permanently].” 30And returning to her home, she found the child lying on the couch [relaxed and resting], the demon having gone. vs.25b-30
How often when we hear or read certain things do we jump to conclusions? In many translations, the word “pet” is not specified and all we see is the phrase “…throw it to the dogs.” When we look at the original Greek it fills in some much-needed blanks. In most cultures referring to someone as a dog comes across as pretty harsh. But using the phrase “pet dog” or “puppy” changes everything!
Way too often we get to thinking way too highly of ourselves and our vast knowledge and understanding and, as I said before, we jump to conclusions.
I have to admit at first reading my attitude in regards to this passage was a little reactionary. Unfortunately, American culture ratchets up the hypersensitivity. We are extremely quick to jump on the bandwagon of offense. Part of it is we have our own agenda and don’t really listen. But this Syrophoenician lady? She was one smart cookie. She caught on quickly to what Jesus was saying. My Life Application Study Bible says, “Her attitude was expectant and hopeful, not prickly and or hypersensitive.” (emphasis mine)
Jesus loved this woman. He wanted to help her…and He did. They listened to each other. They respected each other. They loved each other. Oh, what we could accomplish if we would learn from their interaction!
Lord Jesus, help us to pause…and take time to listen…really listen to those around us. Help us to respect others and most importantly, may there be an enormous portion of love in the middle of it all as we ardently strive to love each other as You love us. Amen!
Apr 18th, 2019, Thurs, 8:57 pm
