Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church-Friedheim
Celebrating our 167^th Year

A 21^st Century Parish with a 1^st Century Faith
Acts 2:42

Pentecost 13
August 14, 2005
Matthew 15:21-28
Persistence

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The temptation to give up in seeking God’s help is great. But when we consider the blessings that God has given us through Jesus Christ, we will realize that God will bless us when we persist in seeking His help.

I.        Persistent faith gives Christ joy.

Without faith it is impossible to please God” (Hebrews 11:6) This Scriptural truth is certainly an accurate one. However, the converse is also true. Ever time we make the difficult venture of faith, we bring joy to God. We can just imagine the twinkle in the Lord’s eyes as this encounter took place. “It is not faith” Jesus says, “to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs.” Although knowing that she, a heathen woman, is as in the eyes of a Jew as one of the parish dogs that prowled around ancient eastern cities, she dos not contradict what Jesus is saying. “Yes Lord”, she replies, “Yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table” (v.27) Her response is quick. It exhibits a spirit – a faith that no doubt gave Jesus joy. He had no time for those who just hoped for the bets – those people, like many today, who find it difficult to place complete and total confidence in God’s good grace.

II.     Persistent faith breaks barriers.

Throughout the encounter described in the text, the woman’s faith in the ability of Jesus to cure her daughter is the dominating factor. Indeed, her faith was subjected to an ordeal of endurance that was almost superhuman. There was the rude impatience of the disciples, who regarded her as little more then a nuisance. (Vs.23) As there was the similar indifference of Jesus Himself. Still, her faith persisted, and that persistence paid off! Christ’s power becomes ours, as we believe that He can overcome any barrier, any obstacle, with His divine love. The Syroiphoenician woman had such faith; she believed Christ’s power was great enough to surmount the obstacles of race, distance, and disease. After Christ saw such faith in the woman, He said, “Great is your faith! Be it done for you as you desire.” (Vs. 28)

III.   Persistent faith is grounded in God’s plenty.

The persistent faith of the woman on behalf of her child exhibits a great confidence in the attitude of Christ’s resources as the Son of God. Mere crumbs are all she asks for, but she knows that behind this teacher with whom she is talking is God’s plenty. The power of God can never be exhausted for it has its foundation not in our good intentions or our own human resources but in Jesus Christ, whom the woman recognized as her Lord. (Vs. 22)

The words of Christ to the woman were not words of displeasure or arrogance is it might appear initially. They brought to the surface a tenacious, persistent faith in the power of God. May we too offer to Christ the same utter loyalty, the same unquestioning obedience, and the same persistent faith.

+ Soli Del Gloria +