Reading: Matthew 15:1-28
“Yes, Lord,” she said, “but even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their master’s table” (v.27)
I thought before that reasoning with God is dangerous—that lightning may come out of the clouds and hit me. But for now we are given the chance, and we are not consumed because of His great love (Lamentations 3:22). But I realised there is also a godly reasoning—wherein one can reason on the bases of God’s character, his mercy, grace, kindness and generosity—and not for our own selfish desires. And that this kind of reasoning actually amazes God and endears us to Him!
Does our reasoning with God show our knowledge of Him and our faith, or does it show our selfishness? Which characters in the Bible come to mind when it comes to reasoning or even wrestling with God—either for good or selfish reasons?
Off the top of my head, I can think of:
Abraham–who tried to plead for Sodom and Gomorrah (ie, will God punish it if there were this or that number of righteous people in it?)
Jacob—who wrestled with God and would not let go until he gets the Lord’s blessings
The Centurion—who believed that Jesus did not even had to come to his house for his servant to be healed
The Canaanite woman—who believed and persisted that even gentiles can share of God’s mercy and blessings
Also:
Jonah—who, being sure of God’s mercy, did not want Nineveh and its people to experience salvation
The wicked servant—who did not put to work the mina entrusted to him, arguing that His master only extorts, when He actually rewards
Tell me who else comes to your mind apart from those I’ve listed above!
Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. – Isaiah 1:18 (KJV)
My Bible Reading, Listening and Living 
I should have made a Cookie with your verses. Great post by the way.
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You still can 🙂 ‘Would be interesting to know what the Spirit revealed to you. Bless you.
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I might do that thanks
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🙂
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I read that passage the other day with my kids and I explained to them the meaning of what Jesus meant. The scene is that the priority takes preeminence which is the child to be fed before the animal. Jesus was alluding that He first came to His children, the jews who were entrusted with God’s Word, then the animal which would represent the rest of the world. At the same time, Jesus was trying to draw out her faith which He knew that she had. Sometimes in our lives, Jesus doesn’t answer or says not right now to see if we stay faithful and are steadfast in prayer.
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Thank you, brother for your contribution–it enriches the discussion! 🙂 Before I used to think that it was a harsh analogy that Jesus used for the gentiles, but you are right–it was a test of the Phoenician woman’s faith. And yes, we also need to keep in mind that the Lord is sovereign, and we can put our trust in Him whatever is His will.
Yes, Jesus first came for the Jews–the priestly nation–so that the gospel would go out to the gentiles as well. God is so merciful and gracious to have it planned that the wild olive branch be grafted into the cultivated tree. The Lord bless you and your family.
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The Lord bless you as well
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Moses! Remember when he was On the mountain with God, and God wanted to destroy them because of worshipping the golden calf, Moses interceded for them.
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Oh, yes, yes, yes! Thank you for reminding me that, Sue Ann 🙂
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