Thursday 26 Aug 2021

August 26: Mark 7:24-30
 
Key Verse: Mark 7:28
“Lord,” she replied, “even the dogs under the table eat the children’s crumbs.”
 
Devotion:
Jesus may have had a very busy mission and being continually in demand must have added to His stress and fatigue all the time; but He still stopped and listened to people in need. When was the last time someone asked something of you just when you wanted to have a bit of a rest? This reminds me of the parable where Jesus talked about a friend knocking on the door very late at night and asking for bread... Would you get up out of bed and go to them to help?
 
When we hear of a friend in need, we often go out of our way to help them – but what happens when a stranger asks for you help? Do you stay tucked up in bed and ignore the plea for help, or do you get up and go to see how you can help or even if you can help?
 
This woman came to meet Jesus and ask for help because she was at her wits end; her daughter was possessed by a demon (though she called it an impure spirit) and Jesus was not going to let that go by without helping. This woman's faith was on display because she came to beg Jesus to help – this was the only thing she thought left which could help!
 
Often we allow the people around us to get to the bottom of the barrel (so to speak) before we stop and offer to help. Sometimes we need to stop and offer to help before they get so desperate. Listening to God and following the Holy Spirit can help us to identify people who are in need – people God knows need the help and people who are willing to place their own faith in Christ.
 
Points to Ponder:
Do you ignore pleas for help until it's too late?
 
Will you stop and look around to see if someone needs your help?