Post by Woody Williams on Aug 17, 2008 7:19:07 GMT -5
Text for the Day -- Matthew 15:21-28
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Jesus left that place and went away to the district of Tyre and
Sidon. Just then a Canaanite woman from that region came out and
started shouting, ‘Have mercy on me, Lord, Son of David; my daughter
is tormented by a demon.’ But he did not answer her at all. And his
disciples came and urged him, saying, ‘Send her away, for she keeps
shouting after us.’ He answered, ‘I was sent only to the lost sheep
of the house of Israel.’ But she came and knelt before him, saying,
‘Lord, help me.’ He answered, ‘It is not fair to take the children’s
food and throw it to the dogs.’ She said, ‘Yes, Lord, yet even the
dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table.’ Then Jesus
answered her, ‘Woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as
you wish.’ And her daughter was healed instantly.
Devotional
----------
One of the key ingredients in Jesus' ministry was the the healing he
brought to people. Disease, evil spirits, rejections and injustice
were all touched by God's power to bring healing, freedom and new
life. The woman in the story is perceived as an outsider. Her
persistent affirmation that she and her daughter were legitimate
heirs of God's love and grace brought healing words and power from
Jesus. If the church can be known as a healing agent of God, bold in
proclaiming and carrying out the healing work of the Gospel, many who
might be perceived as on the outside, would be drawn to the church.
There is an immense need for healing of all kinds in the world.
Prayer
-----------
Empower your church, O God, so that it will recognize and carry out
the healing work you want to do among us. Amen
----------
Jesus left that place and went away to the district of Tyre and
Sidon. Just then a Canaanite woman from that region came out and
started shouting, ‘Have mercy on me, Lord, Son of David; my daughter
is tormented by a demon.’ But he did not answer her at all. And his
disciples came and urged him, saying, ‘Send her away, for she keeps
shouting after us.’ He answered, ‘I was sent only to the lost sheep
of the house of Israel.’ But she came and knelt before him, saying,
‘Lord, help me.’ He answered, ‘It is not fair to take the children’s
food and throw it to the dogs.’ She said, ‘Yes, Lord, yet even the
dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table.’ Then Jesus
answered her, ‘Woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as
you wish.’ And her daughter was healed instantly.
Devotional
----------
One of the key ingredients in Jesus' ministry was the the healing he
brought to people. Disease, evil spirits, rejections and injustice
were all touched by God's power to bring healing, freedom and new
life. The woman in the story is perceived as an outsider. Her
persistent affirmation that she and her daughter were legitimate
heirs of God's love and grace brought healing words and power from
Jesus. If the church can be known as a healing agent of God, bold in
proclaiming and carrying out the healing work of the Gospel, many who
might be perceived as on the outside, would be drawn to the church.
There is an immense need for healing of all kinds in the world.
Prayer
-----------
Empower your church, O God, so that it will recognize and carry out
the healing work you want to do among us. Amen