Today’s Reading: Matthew 15:21-39, 16:1-12

SHE BEGGED FOR MORE.

Next we see a direct contrast between what was in the heart of the Jewish leaders and what was in the heart of one Gentile woman. This woman’s daughter was possessed by a demon who was tormenting the daughter severely. With the intense love of a mother, this woman continued to beg Jesus to heal her daughter, even to the point that the disciples begged him to make her go away. The Jewish people, including the disciples, did not want to share Jesus with the Gentiles, whom they considered below them. Jesus, knowing the sinful prejudice in their hearts, had this conversation for their benefit:

Then Jesus said to the woman, “I was sent only to help God’s lost sheep – the people of Israel.”

But she came and worshiped him, pleading again, “Lord, help me!”

Jesus responded, “It isn’t right to take food from the children and throw it to the dogs.”

She replied, “That’s true, Lord, but even dogs are allowed to eat the scraps that fall beneath their master’s table.”

“Dear woman,” Jesus said to her, “your faith is great. Your request is granted.” And her daughter was instantly healed. – Matthew 15:24-28

JESUS GAVE MORE.

While the Jewish leaders were demanding miraculous signs and explanations (Matthew 16:1-4), this Gentile woman was worshiping Jesus and HUMBLY BEGGING for a miracle. She received what she wanted because she came to Jesus with words that revealed her heart – a heart of faith.

This woman was not the only Gentile to display faith. Many brought their lame, blind, crippled, mute and sick to Jesus to be healed. They were amazed when Jesus healed them. Word spread fast among the people of how wonderful Jesus was. For three days they stayed near Jesus in anticipation of what he was about to do. Jesus had compassion and fed 4000 men, along with the women and children, with only seven loaves and a few small fish. They displayed a heart of faith and experienced the miracle of satisfaction.

So where do I sit on this continuum between those who try to serve a Jesus-on-demand and those whose life reveals a heart of faith? Do I ever demand a miracle from God or demand an explanation for something He has allowed in my life? Or am I in the habit of simply inviting the God of miracles to come and do something supernatural among us?

Recently I had a friend reveal to me what she and her husband are praying for. The magnitude of the miracle she is requesting from God is bigger than anything I have ever prayed. I found myself humbly asking God for that kind of faith — a faith that would dare to pray BIG, believing that God is capable of giving us anything we ask for while trusting Him no matter how He answers.

Lord, give us a heart of faith as evidenced by both the life we live and the words we speak. As we worship you, may you be pleased with the heart of our worship. We thank you for giving your life on a cross for our salvation. We worship you today with hearts wide open so that you can reveal in us anything that needs changed, and so that you can place in us the desires of your heart. Lord, we pray this morning for those who are grieving a loss, or who are in desperate need of a miracle today. Today we come to worship you and to humbly beg for your healing touch. We love you! Amen.

I am asking for prayer this morning for the Waldron family as they gather around the bed of their daughter, Sarah, who is in the final stages of her battle with cancer. Like the woman in this story, we have been begging God for a miracle for Sarah. Praying for God to make His presence known in new and powerful ways today.