Devotion: Women’s Faith
Please take a moment to read Mark 7:24-30
To fully understand the magnitude of this lesson, one must again remember the cultural beliefs of Jesus’ day. Women were at the bottom of the status scale. Women belonged to their fathers then to their husbands. No political rights. No financial power. Certainly, they were not to disagree, argue, or demand from any man. We would like to believe such beliefs and customs have changed. But in some cultures of the world, yes even America, there are many women who are suppressed, abused, and powerless. Therefore, the audacity of this Gentile woman’s actions was glaring and dangerous.
However when acting as the lioness who is protecting her child, women will rise above all rules. Just like the Greek woman in our text, mothers push past objections – no matter the odds – to protect and care for their children. These women are examples of the strength of God’s love. In the end, Jesus recognized that the mother’s love for her ailing child surpassed any danger or punishment just like His love for us.
It is true, as in Pastor Greg’s sermon remarks, some mothers are not as loving or giving. My mother was physically and verbally abusive. But as I look back, she was born in the Depression, the fifth child of nine siblings and didn’t receive one-on-one mothering. God gave me my paternal grandmother, Bert. Through the Holy Spirit, she taught me how to embrace God’s goodness and grace.
Just like the woman in Mark’s narrative, I would do anything for my children. Through my infertility struggles, I pleaded with God like the Greek woman. After five miscarriages, I was able to birth my two children who are the light of my life and God’s most precious gifts.
Have the faith of the Greek woman and boldly seek God’s love knowing that the Spirit will lead the way.
Dear God,
Give us the strength to emulate the Gentile woman and come to you with our needs. Give us faith that you will hear our prayers at the right time. Thank you for the examples of God’s Love in our lives. Through the love of our Savior, Amen.
Written by Glenda Clare
Glenda and her husband, Steve, joined Sheridan Lutheran in the spring of 2003. Glenda enjoys reading, writing, and caring for her young granddaughter, Rose.