LORD, HAVE MERCY ON ME
In Matthew 15:21-28, we see a story where Jesus restores a woman’s daughter possessed by demons. We need to remember that, even today there is a spiritual battle going on. We, and those we love, may have our own “demons” which can contribute to sinful choices we make. We can put ourselves in situations and fall into lifestyles that hinder us from approaching God. The way to overcome these “demons” and the sinful choices we make in our lives, is through recovery that only Jesus Christ can provide.
In this story, Jesus has slipped away from the pressures and mounting tension of Galilee and into the area of Tyre. He needs rest and a chance to spend time with his disciples. The cross is drawing near and the disciples training has to intensify if they are going to start the Christian Church after he is gone. However, being widely known, people seek Jesus out, even Gentiles. In this case, a Gentile woman in search of mercy.
The Bible says she comes to Jesus, falls on her knees before him and begs for mercy. At first Jesus ignores her pleas, but relents after his disciples ask that he send her away. His initial answer to her seems harsh. The word used for dog here is the diminutive form of the word and therefore is a term of affection or small size – a puppy! So the words are not as biting as they may seem. Probably Jesus said them with a smile starting to show on his face. And with that smile, the woman knows she has come to the right man – “the son of David” – the one prophesied about. In other words, her mercy she seeks is staring into her eyes. She presses on out of love for her daughter and the desire to see her recover.
Like the Gentile woman, we sometimes have a loved one who faces demons. Instead of focusing on the problem, do like the woman did and focus on Jesus. He provides recovery and transforms lives as only He can. That’s the major component of Celebrate Recovery – God’s mercy extended to people who have lost their way, and struggle with hurts, habits and hang-ups. If you are seeking a safe place in which to recover, heal and serve, come join us at Celebrate Recovery. CR starts on March 14th at 6:00 p.m. in Bullington Hall at our Ninth Avenue Campus.
So, back to the story of the Gentile Woman, she came to Jesus looking for mercy. Jesus gave her mercy, and a miracle to boot, in the healing of her daughter. As only Jesus can do, he lavishes mercy on the faithful.
In Christ,
Jerry McGuire
