06.20.2023 Faith of a Foreigner - Boldness

A Canaanite woman from that region came out and was crying, “Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David; my daughter is severely oppressed by a demon.” But he did not answer her a word. And his disciples came and begged him, saying, “Send her away, for she is crying out after us.”

As we focus in on the Canaanite woman, the first thing we see is her boldness and persistence. She knows what she needs, healing for her daughter, and she will not stop pleading for mercy until she gets it. While this might not seem very civil, it is a direct portrayal of Jesus’ own parable of the persistent widow who pleads for justice from a judge until he grants it(Luke 18:1-8). Jesus commends the widow in her parable for her tenacity. He certainly does not seem as positive about the Canaanite woman’s persistent. However, she, like the widow, ultimately gets what she needs, in part, at least, because of her persistence. What have you given up on in your prayer life? Consider adding it back in.

Heavenly Father, You are Lord of all things, and it is in Your power to grant or deny my requests. I have asked You before about _____________ and I bring it before You again. Hear my plea for mercy. Amen.

I love the Lord, for he heard my voice; he heard my cry for mercy. Because he turned his ear to me, I will call on him as long as I live. — Psalms 116:1-2 NIV

I have always found that mercy bears richer fruits than strict justice. ― Abraham Lincoln