“Now the woman was a Gentile, of the Syrophoenician race. And she kept asking Him to cast the demon out of her daughter. And He was saying to her, “Let the children be satisfied first, for it is not good to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs” (Mark 7:26-27).
An outsider comes to Jesus. Do we let outsiders in? The world has been filled with those who segregate and separate. We do not see others the way the Lord does. He created us, and loves every one of us. We are each created in His image. The Lord is not being harsh but is eliciting a response. He does the same with us. Will we live by what we know, or trust in the One who knows us?
Lord, when I first look at this, I wonder why you would seem so harsh. But You are speaking the truth. You came to Israel, but I know now that You came for all who would believe. Help me to see that You also seem harsh to me at times as You elicit a response of faith from me. You want for us all to come to You and be led in the way of righteousness. Help me to take those steps of faith You place before me.
Lord Jesus, You know what You are doing. In every instance I read in Scripture, You are bringing faith to the forefront. Of course You will do the same for me. Guide me to make the good confession freely and willingly. Help me to live by the faith You have given me trusting that all things are now and always in Your hands. Teach me what it means to live by faith, trusting Your promises. Amen.
