June 27
Mark 7:24-30
I have to admit, I had to ask my mommy for some help with these verses. I didn’t really understand the whole dog/crumb thing. But she explained it quite nicely and with the help of a commentary by James Montgomery Boice, I will hopefully be able to make it clear. The woman in this passage is not a Jew. By saying “First let the children eat all they want,” Jesus is saying that He came first for the Jews – His children. In the Matthew version of this story Jesus also says, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel.” (Matthew 15:24) This doesn’t mean that Jesus came only to save the Jews, but the Jews were His special people that he tried to reach first. Jesus then goes on to say, “for it is not right to take the children’s bread and toss it to their dogs.” Meaning, Israel’s blessings should not be given to a gentile. My commentary makes the point that even though Jesus basically called this woman a dog, the way He must have said it and the translation for that meaning of the word dog was not an insult, but a way to establish her position as a gentile. The woman’s reply, “even the dogs under the table eat the children’s crumbs,” indicates that this woman was not let down by Jesus’ reaction to her. She had faith that Jesus could heal her daughter and was willing to settle for crumbs. Jesus likes her response, because she is showing a consistent and patient faith in Him. Because of her continued faith, Jesus gives her what she asked for. Any of us who are praying people know that we don’t always get what we ask for the first time. Sometimes it takes a lot of waiting and a lot of faith. Don’t give up, Jesus is listening.
Principle:
Sometimes Jesus delays answering prayers so that faith in Him can grow.
Application:
1. How am I demonstrating persistent faith in Christ for the spiritual healing of my family?
2. To what extent am I willing to go to have the Lord’s answer? Are my prayers marked by humility and faith?
3. How have I responded to His delays? How will I choose to respond today?
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
When I teach little children or new believers about prayer, I often say, "Prayer is a conversation." In conversation, we talk and we listen, but how often do I just talk?
ReplyDeleteAfter reading today's verses and listening to a sermon yesterday, I am feeling like I need to talk and then take the time to listen.
I know these verses are more about faith, but to me, they are a reminder that I may talk, but God wants to respond, and after His response, I may need to reply.
When I became a Christian, I invited Jesus into my life. I talked; He responded. The sermon I listened to yesterday was on forgiveness and was about how God forgives us not because we beg with the right words or can demonstrate worthiness but because He loves us. Out of love, Jesus responded. Then I replied with my life. I tried and am trying to make it more like the life He wants me to live. The speaker suggested that the words the man spoke in the verses he used were not important, and I tend to agree except that response is important. Jesus wants us to respond; He didn't just set up camp in my heart without permission.
The Bible tells me to pray 'continually.' I don't know Greek or whatever, but in English that word is different than 'continuously,' and I can't believe there's a coincidence. To pray continually means to pray very often, but to also stop for brief periods. To pray continuously would mean to never stop. When I first considered this, I thought, "Why did you choose to use 'continually' instead of 'continously'? I was counting on a never ending conversation." Then it hit me, "Maybe God wants me to be quiet every once and awhile so He can speak; then he wants me to respond to Him and what He has said; He wants me to talk continually.
He wants me to be like the woman in the verses today, who didn't walk away after Jesus told her that the little doggies have to eat first. He wants me to stick around for conversation. So when I pray, maybe I should strive for some conversation instead of just repeating the same request over and over. I know persistence is important and that my words are not a means of convincing Him or twisting His arms, but perhaps the point is that my faith is to grow through conversation. Maybe.
(Really sorry that this is so long...And Sarah, these verses gave me trouble for years. I finally understood them when Pastor John did a sermon on them years ago. I love how God reveals Himself through those around us from time to time.)
Andrea, I love your point about stopping to listen to God in our prayers. I never do, I just ramble on and on! So now I will try and spend some listening time in my prayers as well.
ReplyDeleteThanks for that insight.
These verses today are ones that I have ‘just read’ without understanding and have never taken the time to dig deeper. So today I was pleasantly surprised to understand it! I also took out a commentary (Wycliffe) and he added that “The unique feature of this miracle was that it was performed at a distance without any vocal command of Christ” Very interesting.
Question#2… I think my prayers will have more humility and faith if I stop to listen for God’s responses. Talking with a friend must always have both talking AND listening, so why would I think that God would be any different. I pray that I won’t be in such a hurry that I don’t take the time to listen
I have been praying persistently for something for a few years now and am encouraged to continue. I have not always responded to His delays in the best way. I've tried to go ahead of God and it doesn't work. I've also been tempted to give up but God keeps giving me little bits of encouragement along the way like this study today. It is so true that when we don't get a quick answer it builds our faith and patience. Thank you God.
ReplyDeleteThanks for clearing up these verses, I did not get them either. I have been working on waiting for God's timing in respose to prayers this past year. I have a praise to share in regards to waiting. In January my house was damaged in the ice storm. Yesterday the workers that begin in April finally came out to finish the job. A new dry wall person came and finished that as well. So now all that is left is all the painting and triming that I will be doing. He does answer in His own time and always has a reason in His timing.
ReplyDelete