Matthew
15:21-28
When we mail packages we use special wide tape to seal the boxes. But,
when I was about your age, we covered the boxes in brown paper and
then tied a long piece of string around the box so it held the sides
and the ends. You might still seal some boxes this way. (Cover a box
with a heavy brown paper and begin to secure it with a long piece of
string.)
But, when you get to the part where you tie the knot in the string, it
is difficult unless you have someone to help you. (Ask for a volunteer
to hold his finger on the knot as it is being tied.)
In the story for today a woman came to Jesus and asked for help. At
first Jesus did not help her. He was making plain to everyone the
strong faith she had. She kept on asking Him because she really
believed He could help her.
He daughter had a demon living inside her and causing all sorts of
problems. We do not know what those problems were, but someone else
described similar problems this way, "Teacher, I brought my son
to you, for he has a spirit that makes him mute. And whenever it
seizes him, it throws him down, and he foams and grinds his teeth and
becomes rigid." (Mark 9:17-18)
The help she asked for uses a special word to describe it. Usually
that help comes from God. Psalm 121 is an example. "I lift up my
eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from
the LORD, who made heaven and earth." (Psalms 121:1-2)
Jesus is also our helper. "For we do not have a high priest who
is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every
respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with
confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy
and find grace to help in time of need." (Hebrews 4:15-16) The
greatest help he gave us was dying to take away our sins. He is also
able to help us with all other needs we have.
Copyright 2005 Rev. Phil Bohlken
Grace Lutheran Church
Caldwell, Idaho