Jesus really is astonishing. I just finished reading through the Gospels simultaneously, something I have never done before. It was beautiful. It was like meeting Jesus all over again. I highly encourage you to do the same at some point in your walk with God.
In Matthew 15 and Mark 7, we have the story of the Gentile woman. One I truly haven’t spent a lot of time on, but one that always perplexes me because Jesus calls her a dog:
And he said to her, “Let the children be fed first, for it is not right to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs.” ~Mark 7: 27
But, she responds with such faith and humility, and Jesus knew she would all along:
“Yes, Lord; yet even the dogs under the table eat the children’s crumbs.” ~Mark 7:28
And so, her daughter is healed and they leave the town. A quick trip in and out, ALL for this woman and her daughter. Except, it wasn’t a quick trip, it was a seventy-mile road trip, for a woman in Gentile land who somehow knew that Jesus was the Messiah. Crazy. I mean, when I lived on Maui, I didn’t even love the 26-mile road trip to Costco, in a car. (Even if it was looking out over the ocean during whale season!) And here is Jesus, walking, 70 miles, for this woman who at the time wasn’t even considered a part of God’s family. Yet, this is what is beautiful about God; He seeks us all out. Somehow, some way. He is in pursuit of us ALL. We just get to choose if we will follow or not, if we will have faith like this woman, or not.
I love what Tara Leigh Cobble had to say about this encounter:
“He says He’s not there for her – He’s there for the people of Israel. And yes, that’s His first mission, but this seems more like He’s testing her faith, because of how it all ends…He knows exactly what He’s going to do here. And even though He calls her a dog, the tone of the original language is affectionate, not derogatory. He praises her for her faith, and He heals her daughter.” (The Bible Recap, Day 292)
This story showcases God’s sovereignty, God’s faithfulness, and God’s love. He knows exactly what He’s going is doing and exactly what is happening and what will happen in our lives. Yes, God is loving and compassionate. But, what I am learning to love most about Him is His sovereignty. He is in control of it all, my life and your life are included in that. In the big moments, yes, but also in every minor detail. He is continually sanctifying us, drawing us deeper into relationship with Him. And personally, I cannot wait to see how He is going to use me in this season of life!
A few bible verses to dwell on:
Blessed are those who trust in the LORD and have made the LORD their hope and confidence. ~Jeremiah 17:7
The LORD leads with unfailing love and faithfulness all who keep His covenant and obey His demands. ~Psalm 25:10
So they went on their way from the presence of the Council, rejoicing that they had been considered worthy to suffer shame for His name. ~Acts 5:41
Love and blessings,
Radical Road 