NOT ALWAYS THE CONVENTIONAL WAY
18th Sep 2019
Jesus is in the vicinity of Tyre; He is trying to remain incognito, but cannot not keep His presence a secret! A Greek woman, born in Syrian Phoenicia, has a demon possessed daughter and breaks all social conventions to seek help. She addresses Jesus as Lord, indicating she sees him as God, and bows at this feet pleading for Him to drive the demon our of her daughter. All pride is put aside, out of her desperate need she seeks God’s help.
Jesus’ response seems strange, He tells her He is there for God’s special people the Jews, and that by contrast she is like a dog. Without taking offence she replies, “Yes, Lord, but even the dogs under the table eat the children’s crumbs.” Jesus responds, “For such a reply, you may go, the demon has left your daughter.” And it had! (Mark 7:24-30)
What an amazing incident. A woman who presses in because she sees Jesus as her only answer. Her desperation overlooks any offence at being called a dog. She keep her focus on Jesus and He sees faith and responds to it. Before the Cross the covenant blessings were for the Jews, yet this woman accesses Calvary blessings before they were released to the Gentiles. Don’t limit God, He reads hearts, is always looking for faith to release miracles, and is always visible for those who seek Him.
A preacher travelling to Cornwall by train, booked a First Class seat, seeking quiet to prepare for the forthcoming ministry. He was disappointed to find the carriage full, and unusually talkative. He expressed his frustration to God, but felt the Holy Spirit tell him to listen, respond, but not reveal himself as a servant of God.
The conversation was lively and he responded with wisdom and insight but no “God talk”. Eventually everyone left for lunch, leaving one lady who asked if he would join her for lunch. As they sat down she said, “I know you are a man of God, I have a problem!” The resulting conversation led her to being restored to God. ‘Jesus’ was seen in my friend, no religiosity, just life.
Let’s make Jesus real, and He will search out those who want to find Him, all religious and social conventions will disappear. Those who seek Him, who hunger and thirst for Him, will be satisfied.
by Joyce Sibthorpe
