Focus
Let yourself become open to God and the knowledge that comes from the Word. Ask God for peace at this time.
Read
Matthew 15:21-28
21 Jesus left that place and went away to the district of Tyre and Sidon. 22 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.” 23 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.” 24 He answered, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” 25 But she came and knelt before him, saying, “Lord, help me.” 26 He answered, “It is not fair to take the children’s food and throw it to the dogs.” 27 She said, “Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table.” 28 Then Jesus answered her, “Woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you wish.” And her daughter was healed instantly.
Reflect
Years ago many of my friends were obsessed with dieting and losing the pounds they had gained since their high school days. They felt they had passed their prime and were struggling to regain the sense of their “Glory Days.” I couldn’t relate to their battle because I never felt I had lived my “Glory Days” yet. My metabolism had kept me from gaining sufficient weight, even in pregnancy. The doctors considered me anorexic. Regardless of how much, what, or when I ate, it only went to energy – not fat or muscle. Reading this passage about what defiles a person brought a memory of that time when a friend complained she couldn’t enjoy a dessert she wanted. I jokingly quoted this passage to her. (Yes, I was probably being sarcastic and maybe even acting a little superior.) Let me just say she wasn’t impressed. Of course, that is not Jesus was teaching. He was saying the words we speak and the attitude we exhibit can defile us when done without love – such as I did with my friend. We are to be, do, act, and love in such a way as to show God’s love to the world and to draw them closer to Him. That is the point Jesus was making. Not about what we eat.
Pray
Loving Father, Our lives have been blessed and enriched by your love. Help us to share how you have blessed us with those you have brought into our lives. They will watch us and I pray that we do not cause them to doubt your love and goodness.
Go with God!
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