2 Chronicles 14, the first verse is like a set of guidelines. HPST(R): Humble, pray, seek my way, turn from your wicked ways, and
That sets the stage for the type of faith we should have. Matthew 15:21-28, this story begins with Jesus walking and the woman that approached him and asked for help for her daughter.
Have mercy on me.
Why would she ask for mercy unless she knew she had some fault that needed mercy to deliver her. She humbled herself, her humbled heart, her humble spirit as she asks Jesus for something she knows she doesn’t deserve. Like us today, God gives us so much grace and mercy.
- She repented, confused with her mother, etc.
She is arguably the first Christian. Even so, she had a daughter that needed help. She might have heard of the healing that Jesus had done and when she found Jesus she went expecting to it.
Yet, in verse 23 “he answered her not a word”. Does this sound familiar? How often have you cried out to God, you’ve prayed, and it felt like no one is listening? Maybe he wants to hear your voice a little longer. Maybe he is there and waiting. Can you imagine not speaking to someone that loves you for weeks and the first time you speak their name is when you're in need?
Everyone wants heaven, but no one wants death. Everyone wants miracles, but do you just want?
He said nothing then his disciplines came to him and asked God to send her away because she is crying after to us. This woman went to Jesus directly heard nothing. She went to his disciples and was ignored. There is a verse that says, obedience is better than sacrifice. The disciples were being obedient to what Gods order. This women miracle was coming, but it wasn’t her time. She felt that her need was far greater than others.
Some could say, she was being selfish.
The place she went to was busy. Miracles were happening already. In this moment of being ignored by Jesus, pushed away from the disciples, and what would you do? Give up, find another god? If you truly believe God is good, that He is sovereign, then you would be willing to wait. Here we see her faith...
Verse 25, she didn’t come and beg God. God is your God, you are his child, he hasn’t called you to beg, but to worship. Children aren’t called to beg but called to know to stay and worship. He may say no, but if you ask long enough he will see your heart. After she worshiped, the miracle came right?
Verse 26, rejected, broken down, discouraged, empty, turned away, let down by people, by disciples, and she gets to this point. Jesus might have been doing two things here. Being realistic, for one, her miracle was coming. It wasn’t her time, however. Could he give to her that which was intended for others? Unclean people were often referred to as Dogs. She must have often heard this and what happens when you are offended by people you look up to?
Words only hurt by those you have a relationship with...
You might be scared of words and how do you deal with it? You see, Jesus was saying words that hurt. Jesus was also sticking to His teachings. In other words, if I give you this miracle, this precious gift, will you take care of it? Will I regret giving you this if given too soon? Will she turn away from Jesus after receiving from Jesus? Will she stay if she receives it? God said this not to find out her heart, but her to know it.
Verse 27, this is what brings the miracle. She was being an HPST(R). Jesus was so taken back that he answered, “oh woman, great is your faith.” To paraphrase his next line, whatever it is you asked for, not even sure I remember what that was, you got it. Your faith, your worship, your consistency in prayer has lead God to give to you even when it wasn’t your time.
It wasn’t what she was asking. It was how she asked for it and her heart of worship that would continue after she receives it. Be an HPST(R) in faith and in action.
God bless!