transported
Yesterday my daughter's words suddenly transported me into bible times. To be specific, I felt like I was listening in on Jesus' conversation with the Canaanite woman who asked him to have mercy on her and heal her troubled daughter (Matthew 15.22-28).
He replied, "I was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel...It is not right to take the children's bread and toss it to their dogs."
"Yes, Lord," she said, "but even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters' table."
Then Jesus answered, "Woman you have great faith!"
I've heard reasonable sermons about the passage. I've studied it personally as well. It has always been difficult to process...until yesterday.
Our little Louie is now 12 months old and his favorite "food" is a cheesy snack stick from a company that certainly lives on cruise ships based on how much they charge for 16 pieces of snack food in a cute container...ANYWAY...
These are Louie's treats. They are made in a way that's easy for him to break down with his tiny teeth and gums. The rest of us have a wide variety of foods we can be nourished by, but Louie's choices are very limited. Our dear Keona knows this.
So while I was feeding Louie, Keona asked, "Mommy, I know these are for Louie. But can I have the leftovers from Louie's snack if he throws them on the floor?"
And I was transported. I saw the Canaanite woman acknowledging that Jesus' earthly ministry was in some ways customized for the Jewish people. I saw her quietly but confidently asking for the "leftovers" to be made available for her, a Gentile.
Keona knew that I'd give her anything in the fridge. She knew that Granny would make her anything in the world. She didn't want to take Louie's food because she knew it was especially made for him. But if he discarded it, if he didn't need or want it--couldn't she feast on what he refused??
What did I do when faced with such a sensitive, wise, unashamed request? I opened the can and gave her fresh treats, that's what I did!
And I'm still thinking about what that all means for me, a gentile sinner saved by grace.
He replied, "I was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel...It is not right to take the children's bread and toss it to their dogs."
"Yes, Lord," she said, "but even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters' table."
Then Jesus answered, "Woman you have great faith!"
I've heard reasonable sermons about the passage. I've studied it personally as well. It has always been difficult to process...until yesterday.
Our little Louie is now 12 months old and his favorite "food" is a cheesy snack stick from a company that certainly lives on cruise ships based on how much they charge for 16 pieces of snack food in a cute container...ANYWAY...
These are Louie's treats. They are made in a way that's easy for him to break down with his tiny teeth and gums. The rest of us have a wide variety of foods we can be nourished by, but Louie's choices are very limited. Our dear Keona knows this.
So while I was feeding Louie, Keona asked, "Mommy, I know these are for Louie. But can I have the leftovers from Louie's snack if he throws them on the floor?"
And I was transported. I saw the Canaanite woman acknowledging that Jesus' earthly ministry was in some ways customized for the Jewish people. I saw her quietly but confidently asking for the "leftovers" to be made available for her, a Gentile.
Keona knew that I'd give her anything in the fridge. She knew that Granny would make her anything in the world. She didn't want to take Louie's food because she knew it was especially made for him. But if he discarded it, if he didn't need or want it--couldn't she feast on what he refused??
What did I do when faced with such a sensitive, wise, unashamed request? I opened the can and gave her fresh treats, that's what I did!
And I'm still thinking about what that all means for me, a gentile sinner saved by grace.
posted by alicia britt chole at
5:22 PM
3 Comments:
Pass the cheese sticks my way! That will preach, friend. God's truth arrives on our doorstep each day, and today, it arrived through the hands of sacred innocence. Thank you, Alicia, for always having the mind and spirit to conceive God's gift of grace and then the obedience to put it to pen. You are a treasure, and I hope to see you in Virginia this April.
peace for the journey~elaine olsen
Wow. That was incredible! How is Keona doing with her health? Praying for you all. You are an unbelievable blessing!
Jana--thank you so much for asking about Keona. The nutritionist suggested getting off of milk first and seeing if that was the issue. We've been off completely for 2 weeks now and she's still having tummy aches. Next on the list is a gluten-free 6 week trial. If that doesn't tame down her tummy we'll unfortunately have to test more invasively. Thank you for your prayers!
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