Our readings for today are Genesis 24.1-31 ( http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?q=Gen.+24.1-31 ) and Mark 7.24-37 ( http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?q=Mark+7.24-37 ).
As we look at Mark 7.25-30 we see a Syrophoenecian woman in the area of Tyre and Sidon. These coastal communities, although within Jewish territory, were not noted for their faithfulness to God nor for their orthodoxy. The God-fearing people there would be considered a fringe group both within their own society and within Judaism.
As we have seen many times, in Christ God has poured out his abundance generously. Jesus asks the woman a few questions which seem to be ascertaining that she really understands that she is not within the "in crowd" or orthodox Judaism. She understands this but observes that human need extends beyond the borders of the descendants of Abraham. Of course, Jesus is ready and willing to deliver this foreigner's daughter from demonic power. Satan is his enemy and he is quite willing to vanquish him.
Notice how Christ refers to this healing work. He refers to it as crumbs that fell off the table. The work of Jesus to deliver this little girl from demonic oppression is not the main course, it is not leftovers, it is a little scrap. How great, then, is his power to draw people to himself in redemption and blessing! We cannot imagine the power and authority Jesus has over sin and death. All we can know is that it is abundant, more abundant than the curse.
Let us rejoice - whether receiving the crumbs under the table or dining at the table with our Savior, we find he gives us all we need or could want.
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