Scraps

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Read:

Mark 7:25-29


Reflect:

It seems that God really likes a good debate: Abraham debating with God about saving Sodom (Genesis 18:16-33), Jacob wrestling with God for a blessing (Genesis 32:22-32), Gideon asking God for signs and reassurance (Judges 6:33-40). Jesus even tells His disciples to never stop praying in Luke 18. Paul was still praying and wrestling with God about the thorn in his side when he wrote to the Corinthians (2 Corinthians 12:8).

This woman did the same thing with Jesus. She pleaded with Jesus for scraps and didn’t back down. A couple of things about her:

1) She came to Jesus in humility (she fell at His feet).

2) What she pleaded about -her daughter’s wellbeing- was important enough to her to take up the debate (she begged Jesus to drive out the demon).

3) She knew -or at least hoped enough to believe- that the scraps would be sufficient to save her daughter (she is happy with the ‘crumbs’ from the table).

Jesus shows us His mercy and power by answering her prayer. May we take this woman’s humility, determination and faith as an example next time we come before God in prayer.


Respond:

Lord Jesus, thank you that you hear our pleas. Thank you that you are open to discussion and that you welcome us debating with you. Please give me the courage to come to you in humility, with determination and in faith. Amen.


Remind:

“It is only when the whole heart is gripped with the passion of prayer that the life giving fire descends, for none but the earnest man [or woman] gets access to the ear of God.”

~E.M. Bounds~


Photo by engin akyurt on Unsplash

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