Friday, November 30, 2012

Thanksgiving Leftovers


“Even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their master’s table.”
Matthew 15:2
 

 
Yesterday, after pushing back from a table laden with ham, turkey, giblet gravy, dressing, and all the trimmings, I vowed never to eat again. Now, before the dawn breaks and with only the light of the refrigerator piercing the morning darkness, one bleary-eyed glimpse of Tom Turkey and a half-eaten pumpkin roll has me eagerly anticipating my next meal.
 
 
The words of Jesus seem callous, yet he typically seized the moment to demonstrate his unconditional love and to foreshadow the coming salvation of the Gentiles. In spite of his seeming indifference and the intolerable attitude of the disciples, the Canaanite woman clung to the hope that she had placed in Jesus.
 
True, Jesus had come to save the lost sheep of Israel, but this humble, outcast woman believed in her heart that even scraps from the Master’s table were more than enough to restore her daughter’s life. “Even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their master’s table,” she said (Matthew 15:27). Jesus’s response to her was, “Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted” (Matthew 15:28). As a result of her faith, her daughter was immediately healed.



 
It is not how much we receive but the spirit with which we receive it that brings not only the results we desire, but the leftover sounds of thanksgiving that our Master so longs to hear.



 

2 comments:

  1. Starr, your post cemented in my heart and mind what the Spirit has been speaking to my soul this week. The emotional trauma of the holidays and those missing around our table brought me back to that old cross-road, my way/His way intersection. With all He has given, do I wallow in self-pity insisting I am entitled to more? I am so grateful for His mercy and grace that carries me over these rough places and allows me to "hide under the shelter of His wings." Thank you for these thoughts today.

    DiAne

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    1. DiAne, I am humbled that I would be used by God to impart thoughts that would help to bring healing to your wounded spirit. God is always faithful! Bless you!

      (Am late with this response. I found it waiting for moderation. I guess that is why you were not seeing it appear when you posted. I have corrected the problem. Thanks for bringing my attention to it.)

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