That's Crumby!

Daily Reading:  Mark 7

For this statement you may go your way; the demon has left your daughter. (Mark 7.29)

Devotional Thought: Jesus was travelling in “unfriendly” territory – in a Gentile place where Jewish people were not welcome.  He was trying to keep his presence secret in order to get some much needed rest for himself and his disciples, but his presence was “found out” by a local woman.  Desperate for help, she really didn’t care about Jesus’ schedule, about social barriers, or about religious distinctions.  She went up boldly to Jesus, pushed through personal hesitancy, male dominance, and Jewish privilege and asked for what she needed.

That impressed Jesus.  So much so that I believe he “tested” her faith, deepening her appreciation for what he planned to do.  He replied to her basically, “I can’t do that!  It goes against all we’ve ever been taught.”  To which she replied, “I’ll take even the leftovers from your table.  That will be more than enough for what I need.”

Wow!  What faith.  To believe that God’s leftovers will more than supply my need…  To say that the crumbs from God’s table have more power, more bounty, more hope than I can find at any other table…  Amazing!  That’s why Jesus said what he did: “Wow, lady!  You have great faith in God’s abundance!  You have received what you asked for.  Go and see for yourself!”

God has prepared a banquet for us through his Son, Jesus Christ, and even the leftovers from that feast will supply our needs.  Do we really believe it?  Even when every circumstance of our life tells us that we are wretched paupers, separated from grace, and unworthy to approach him? 

Take Jesus at his word and find healing and abundance from, yes, even the crumbs off his table.

Prayer: Jesus you have come that I might have life and have it abundantly.  I receive your abundance just now.  Help me to press on when circumstances and conventions tell me to give up.  Amen.

Psalm of the Day: 5.7-12

7 But I, through the abundance of your steadfast love, will enter your house. I will bow down toward your holy temple in the fear of you.

8 Lead me, O LORD, in your righteousness because of my enemies; make your way straight before me.

9 For there is no truth in their mouth; their inmost self is destruction; their throat is an open grave; they flatter with their tongue.

10 Make them bear their guilt, O God; let them fall by their own counsels; because of the abundance of their transgressions cast them out, for they have rebelled against you.

11 But let all who take refuge in you rejoice; let them ever sing for joy, and spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may exult in you.

12 For you bless the righteous, O LORD; you cover him with favor as with a shield.