Title: Two Lessons/Topic: Focus and Perseverance

Today’s Reading: 2 Samuel 3; 1 Chronicles 12; Matthew 15

Scripture: Matthew 15:24-26
24 He answered, "I was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel."
25 The woman came and knelt before him. "Lord, help me!" she said.
26 He replied, "It is not right to take the children's bread and toss it to their dogs."

Observation: This response of Jesus to the Canaanite woman has always bothered me because it seems harsh as well as out of character. After all, he did come to bring light and salvation to the Gentiles as well as to the Jews, and this woman was a Gentile who needed help. Her wise response does get him to act on her behalf but the first response he gave her seems unnecessarily condescending and dismissive. But she was undeterred and persevered to get what she wanted.

Application: I think Jesus was demonstrating what it means to be focused. He had been given a mission from God and was not going to let anything distract him. The lesson: Make sure you do what God has told you to do without letting other things, even good things, distract you. From the woman we can learn something else: Persevere in seeking what you want and refuse to be offended or discouraged by a brusque response.

Prayer: Father, I need to take to heart both of these lessons. You know that I have been a person who has been easily distracted and also one who tends to give up if I don't get the response I'm looking for. I want to be like this woman was; strong and determined. Your Spirit in me makes me all that I need to be. I embrace the change and thank you for your transforming power.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.