“PILLARS”

Jack Davis

“Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.” Rev. 3:12-13

The verses quoted above are just part of the wonderful promises given full overcomers. He is making pillars out of overcomers today. A pillar is (from the Greek) that column which supports the weight of the building. In a spiritual sense, believers are said to be God’s building. Thank God there are those that stand, uphold and support in His temple. A true pillar does not change positions with the conditions. Although we each are prone to such, because we are not perfected yet. As we become established, we are not as easily tossed to and fro and carried about by every wind of change or adversity, but stand and withstand having our loins girt about with truth. 

“HIM THAT OVERCOMETH”
An overcomer is one that is victorious. “O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, for as much as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord” – I Cor. 15:55-58.

Since Jesus death and resurrection, all believers have been given full provision to overcome (John 16:33) the world (I John 5:4-5) the flesh (Rom. 5:17, 6:11-14, 12:21) and the devil (I John 4:3-4). Yet not all overcome fully; therefore not all are made pillars. As trying situations, and even overwhelming circumstances go against us, we learn to lean on the everlasting arms, and are thus made to stand no matter what the out look or apparent outcome. He is making overcomers out of us more fully and making us to stand more firmly. He alone can make of us pillars in His everlasting temple. If you never have anything to overcome, you will never be a pillar.

In Christ Jesus, we all should want to become that which is dependable. We learn by experience that we are only dependable as we are dependent upon the most dependable One. “Thou has a little strength” – too little to trust in or count on ourselves. His strength being made perfect in weakness is essential to making us pillars, thus we become strong in the Lord and the power of His might. Thank God there are still believers today coming to know the grace of God in truth, who out of weakness are being made strong. Peter and Paul both encourage us to realize the effectual working of God’s marvelous grace.

Paul urged to be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus, and endure hardness (II Tim. 2:1,3) Peter admonished to grow in grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ (II Peter 3:18; instead of being led away with the error of the wicked, and falling from our own steadfastness. Our beloved brother Paul said “It is a good thing that the heart be established with grace,” following the strong statement that Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, and today, and forever (Heb. 13:8-9). It is good that His grace has the influence upon our hearts that is reflected in our lives.

“And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity” (I Cor. 13:13).

“I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name. Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee. Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.” Rev. 3:8-10

As we read the message to the Philadelphia assembly, let us think of these abiding, stable, stabilizing traits being developed in God’s people today to make us stand. They are commended for, keeping His word, not denying His name, and for keeping the word of His patience.

“KEPT MY WORD”
Those that keep His word are made pillars in the faith. I thank God today for those who have stayed true to the whole counsel of God. There are still some who feel what our Lord has said is important, and they hold it dear to their hearts, and will not compromise. Pillars like Paul are set for the defense of the Gospel and are not ashamed to tell it. Paul delighted in those Philippians that stood fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the Gospel. Phil. 1:17,27-30.

He encouraged the Colossians to “continue in the faith grounded and settled” and enjoyed seeing them become pillars in the faith. “For though I be absent in flesh, yet I am with you in the spirit, joying and beholding your order, and the steadfastness of your faith in Christ. As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord so walk in him: Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith” – Col. 1:23; 2:5-7.

“NOT DENIED MY NAME”
A woman truly in love should gladly take over her and honor the name of the man she loves. The name of Jesus is precious to us and as overcomers we delight to be identified with Him. It is a joy to us to honor His headship and do all our business in His sweet and holy name. He says, “I will make them…know that I have love thee.” Thus He is developing us as pillars of love. As Christ dwells in our hearts by faith, (being at home there as master of the house) we are being rooted and grounded in love – Eph. 3:17.

Becoming firmly established in His love, we strengthen others. The love of Christ is the motivating force in the lives of such pillars. These hurt when others hurt, and are faithful to support others, and especially uphold them before the throne of grace. “For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead: and that He died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again” II Cor. 5:14-15.
“KEPT THE WORD OF MY PATIENCE”
Pillars are hope develop as we embrace the promises of our Lord’s return. As the word of His patience is renewed afresh and kept alive in our hearts, we are made more constant on our course. Our growth in words of faith, and labors of love becomes more stable as we are occupied in a patience of hope, awaiting God’s Son from heaven. Paul points us to a completely beautifying work that the Lord promises to do in us, if we are not moved away from the hope of the Gospel - Col. 1:22-23. Those who would be rewarded for keeping the word of His patience are urged to lay hold of the hope set before us, and have it as an anchor of the soul – Heb. 6:18-19.
(to be continued next issue)

THE LAST DAYS

Anita Clark – Pastor Carbondale, KS

　
"Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to Him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and His wife hath made herself ready. And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints" Rev. 19:7-8.

Let us examine these verses to understand what is being spoken of in this passage. First, Chapter 19 is a scene in heaven when all of the Church is home with the Lord. There are different groups seen here present with the Lord. This scene takes place just at the end of the tribulation of seven years. There are many believers seen in heaven, but they are in different groups. It seems that all the groups are praising God together in verses 1&2.

Then in verse 4, we see a group known as the twenty-four elders and the four living creatures. They are seen in many places in the book of Revelation, especially in chapter 4. Some suppose them to be angelic beings, but Revelation 5:8-10 lets us know who they are and what blessed position they have with the Lord in heaven. Verse 9 assures us that they are "redeemed by Thy (referring to Christ) blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people and nation." Verse 10 tells us they have been "made unto our God kings and priests and ... shall reign on [over] the earth." Later in this chapter 19:7-9, we see them as the Bride of Christ.

Apostle Paul wrote of them in II Corinthians 11:1-3, calling this group a "chaste virgin." Paul feared that the Corinthians, whom he had ministered to, would not honor the Lord by being faithful to the espousal to be the Bride of Christ. As we look at Revelation 19, we realize that all believers are not the Bride, as there are other believers drawing attention to the Bride, as in verses 7-8.

In verse 6, we read " And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude." In Revelation 7, we see the same group of believers. In verse 9 of chapter 7 it says they are such a great number that no man can number them. They stand before the throne wearing white robes and waving palm leaves. They cry, "Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb." In verse 14, we find out they have come out of great tribulation. Jesus Christ while here on earth said that we should be ready for His appearance, "Therefore be ye also ready for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh." There are many admonitions in the Apostle Paul’s writings to be awake and watching for the Lord to come. The word "ready" in the original Greek means, "be adjusted or prepared." We note that the bride as stated in Revelation 19:10, "hath made herself ready." These are not self efforts or religious woks that make one ready to be the Bride, but yielded actions and attitudes that have changed the Bride into the image of the Son of God.

Note also in Revelation 7, that these believers of this great multitude have gone through a tough time on earth during the first part of the seven years of tribulation. V. 16, "They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat." They have had to go into the tribulation because they were not ready to meet Jesus when He came as a thief in the night. Read I Thess. 4:13-18 & 5:1-9. Many believers who are lukewarm will be left here and go into part of the tribulation, and then be taken to heaven. God’s promise to the overcomers of the Church Age is, "Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of tribulation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth" Rev. 3:10.

In the kingdom of the Lord Jesus Christ there will be many different positions of honor. Some will be servants there (Rev. 7:15). Others will be guests at the marriage supper of the Lamb. (19:9) Believers who have yielded their live to Christ and been faithful will be rewarded with great rewards, and reign with Christ as His Bride. These truths are seen through-out the New Testament. Jesus spoke of rewards in a parable about the man who gave his servants various amounts of talents to test them and see what they would do to make gain. (Matt: 25:15-28). Apostle Paul spoke of rewards, and Revelation speaks of rewards in various degrees. These are precious truths of the Bible.

How do we gain the best rewards with Jesus Christ for our future place in heaven? Certainly not through self-works motivated by desiring to get gain or glory in some way, but by humbleness and yieldedness to the will of God in our lives, - By seeking Him with a true heart, and loving His soon appearing. The truth is that as the Scripture states there is a prize to win in the next life to those who walk wholeheartedly with God in this present life. (See I Cor. 9:24-27 & Phil. 3:7-14.) In no place in Scripture is gaining salvation set forth as by our works, or attaining to it. Salvation and our place in heaven is guaranteed by our believing in the redemption, which Jesus provided on the cross for all persons who believe. But the best place awarded according to our faithfulness to the Lord, is given to those who let the Lord work His Word in their lives and walk in the victory He gives in our trials.

Jesus is coming soon! We’ve heard that statement for many years, but now we are seeing many more signs of globalism, a term used to express all people and nations joining together. So much talk about one monetary system, and attaining peace for all the world. Remember the Scripture speaks of the Antichrist coming and making a peace treaty with Israel (Dan. 9:27), which guarantees their safety. The stage is set for this event to come about at any time. The more we hear leaders speak of peace and bringing the world together, the more we should be looking up - for "our redemption draws nigh." This year (2017) Israel celebrates 70 years as a nation, and this is the official year of Jubilee in which Israel was to have special celebrations by setting captives free (such as bond slaves), and returning land to its original owner. Will this be the time Jesus will come? "Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh" Mt. 24:48.

Praying Thankfully

I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior;  1 Timothy 2:1-3

This is a passage that God’s people especially need to read and understand clearly in the days that we are living. There is so much discussion about those that are in authority in our country and others. People have a lot of thing to say about those in authority, and often it is not good. So much concern is expressed about where they are leading us.

Paul encourages us (in the midst of the Roman rule) to pray thankfully for all men, for kings and those in authority. I looked, and I could not find anywhere that we are encouraged to speak badly about our rulers, or be concerned with the direction they are going. We need to pray for them and let God be in control.

Praying thankfully is even more difficult than just praying that God would replace them, which is what we sometimes want to do. We can be thankful for those in authority, because God is the one that removes rulers and sets up rulers (Daniel 2:21). All of this, God does to bring about His will. We should be thankful that God is working out His will to bring about the end of this age. Our part is to pray for our leaders with thanksgiving.

The other part is too pray for all men. We are encouraged in Ephesians 6:18 to pray for all saints everywhere, and so we should. It is an expression of our love for God’s people, and our love for our Lord. God’s people in many parts of the world face persecution and hardships that maybe we are not facing. We can certainly intercede for them before the throne of grace.

For those that are not yet saved, we pray that they would come to the knowledge of the truth, and be saved. This is the most important thing that we could pray for the unbeliever. We pray this way, because it is the will of our Lord. Again, it shows our love for our Lord.

The three parts of prayer that are mentioned in the verse; supplications, prayer (worship) and giving of thanks, should be a part of every prayer. We come to our heavenly Father with our needs, but we should never forget our worship that He deserves. Every prayer should be accompanied with thanksgiving, because we already know, by faith, that He hears and answers our prayers.
Gordon Crook

RUTH

Pastor Debra Isenbletter

Springfield, Missouri

Ruth 4:7– “Now this was the manner in former time in Israel concerning redeeming and concerning changing, for to confirm all things; a man plucked off his shoe, and gave it to his neighbor: and this was a testimony in Israel.”

There are two reasons given for the action on the part of this man. It is redeeming: “concerning redeeming” and it is changing: “and concerning changing.” (Notice the repetition of the word “concerning”). The “redeeming” speaks of the price that is agreed upon and paid and the “changing” or “exchanging” speaks of the transfer of rights, of the property. The word “redeeming” is from “ga’al” which means “to redeem”, it speaks of the one who is redeeming, the “kin”, or “kindred” (Strong’s). It speaks of the “right of redemption” that this man now has. It speaks of the “price of redemption” (Brown).  In all that we see the emphasis on the payment and the one who is paying the price. The word “”changing” comes from “barter, compensation” and can be translated “exchanging;” “compensation,” “restitution” or “recompense.” It shows that there is an exchange that takes place, it is the exchanging of rights from one man to another; it also shows the transfer of this property (and person) from one man to another.

An interesting question would be, “Who set the price, who determined the value of the land and the person?” Did this man, who had the first right, set the price for the redemption of the land and of Ruth? In type, this man pictures the Law and all its demands. Under the Law, justice demanded blood and the penalty was death. Jesus fulfilled all the demands of the Law. He said He came “not to destroy but to fulfill” the law (Matt 5:17-18), and He did, that it would “all be fulfilled.” Paul tells us that “God sent forth His Son, made of a woman, made under the law (He was subject to the law), to redeem them that were under the law” (Gal 4:4-5). The life of Jesus and His obedience all the way to the Cross shows how He fulfilled the two great commands that summed up the Law. Love for God: “love the Lord thy God with all thy heart” – His Obedience; and Love for Man: “love thy neighbor as thyself” – His Sacrifice. (Matt 22:36-40). Like Boaz, Jesus paid the price that was demanded. The Law demanded that blood be shed (Heb 9:22), the Law demanded a sacrifice, it demanded death (Heb 10:8-9). Jesus paid it all! He met the demands of the Law, His blood was shed and He died in our place.

Next we see the action of this man, the removing of his shoe. What does this show? It was done “to confirm all things. It was done as a confirmation, to show the transaction was complete. The word “confirm” comes from “to arise, to stand up” and it means “to be fixed, to fulfill, to accomplish, to establish, to ratify.”  This action was seen by all! We see the “fixed” purpose of heart of Boaz, and the “accomplished” work on behalf of Ruth and Naomi. We see the “fulfillment” of his promise to Ruth – Oh, what a wonderful type of Jesus is this description! This is done to confirm “all things.” The things speak of “affairs,” “acts” or “business.” The “all” shows that nothing is neglected, Boaz took care of it all! This can be translated “to confirm a transaction” (Amp/RSV) or “for the transfer of property to become final” (NIV). This needed to be done and done publicly. When Jesus said, “It is finished,” we see the confirmation of our redemption, we see that the transaction was complete.

Where did this custom come from? We know it was a custom from the phrase “in former time in Israel” which can be translated “This was a custom” (Amp); “Now this was a custom in former times” (RSV). Deut 25:7-10 describes this custom but there are some differences. There was the transfer of a shoe from one person to another, but in Deuteronomy, it is the widow that removes the shoe from the kinsman who will not fulfill his obligation and not only does she remove the shoe, it says she shall “spit in his face.” And there the name of that man is forever known as “The house of him that hath his shoe loosed.” There is a public humiliation of this man. We don’t see that here in Ruth, only the removal of the shoe and the transfer of power. This was a custom, a tradition that had been going on for years, and like many traditions it was changed to suit the circumstances. The foundation remained but the details here are different. The reason for it never changed because it still represented a transfer of power.

What was this custom? “a man plucked off his shoe” and then “gave it to his neighbor.” It looks like this man may have removed his own shoe or it could be that Boaz may have removed this man’s shoe. Ruth was not present to do this, Boaz was there on her behalf. The moment this was done it became “a testimony in Israel.” It was a confirmation, it attested to the fact that what was said that day was a permanent action and the testimony was acknowledged in Israel. It was a recognized testimony, a universal testimony, an accepted testimony. Once the shoe was removed it became final, there was no backing out or changing your mind.

I think Boaz is seen either doing this or receiving the shoe from the other kinsman instead of Ruth for an important reason, other than a change of tradition. Boaz is a type of Christ and he is acting on behalf of Ruth. He is her advocate, he speaks for her and in her defense. He fights her battles for her. She is to simply “sit still” (Ruth 3:18) and wait! This is what we do! This is all we need to do! This is what we must do! We let our Boaz speak on our behalf, fight our battles.

Ruth 4:8 – “Therefore the kinsman said unto Boaz, Buy it for thee. So he drew off his shoe.”

In this verse we see what this man said and what he did to confirm the transaction. Two simple acts that forever changed the life of Ruth!

What did this man say? He said: “But it for thee.” The word “buy” means “to purchase, redeem, to possess.” These words give Boaz the right of redemption! These words show what Boaz bought would belong to him; for this man says it is “for thee.” When Boaz redeemed Ruth, she became his possession, his responsibility. We do not know what the price was, what the cost was in money. We only know that only one man was able to pay that price – Boaz!

When God redeemed His people, they became His, He is their Possessor. He told them “I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name, thou art mine.” (Isa 43:1) When Jesus redeemed us, He became a Possessor – we became His. We are “redeemed from the curse of the Law” (Gal 3:13), we are “bought with a price” (1 Cor 6:20; 1 Cor 7:23). We are His “purchased possession” (Eph 1:14). We belong to Him! We bear His name! We are His responsibility!

What did this man do? “So he drew off his shoe.” This is what he did to show the completion of this transaction. He took off his shoe, or let Boaz remove his shoe. He did this willingly, voluntarily and publicly. Sister Mary Bodie sums up beautifully what this pictures:

Mary Bodie: “Such a one” calmly looses his shoe and gives it to Boaz, as much as to say, “Stand in my shoes; take my place: I give you the right to redeem the Moabitess and the inheritance.” He seems very little affected one way, or the other. And this too is a principle of law. It has no heart. “Such a one” cares nothing for Ruth, the Moabitess. He does not love her, nor her cause. He can give her up with perfect composure, without a sigh, or a tear. This is a true picture. The law cannot show mercy. It knows nothing of love, or pity, or grace. Hence we ought to rejoice that we see its shoe unloosed and passed on to another, the One who is mighty to save. Thus we see that the legal principle is set aside entirely. It has been made void, disannulled. It has no “shoe,” no standing as a redeemer; for it cannot set free and justify the sinner whom it curses and condemns. No more than can the law of the land show mercy and free the breaker of its commands. The law cannot pay the penalty, or give bail for the fellow it sentences to prison. Another stands in his shoes. The covenant of law has been superseded by the covenant of grace. The able Kinsman-Redeemer, Christ, has come and no more has “Such a one” any right to place of the kinsman.”

What a wonderful picture of the transfer of authority over us, we are now under Grace and not Law and it is Love and not fear that motivates us.
Continued next issue

ACTS OF THE APOSTLES

Verta Giddings was called home by her Lord May 18th, 2017. She was the Pastor of the Church of the Full Gospel for over 60 years at Sand Lake, Michigan. She was a gifted teacher and had a heart for reaching children. Her good notes on the book of Acts will continue to be printed.

Chapter 9:1-31 – Saul’s Conversion

The “yet” in V. 1 tells us that Saul was still hunting down believers in Jesus to have them put in prison – Acts 8:3. We wonder how he could still do this, when he saw the death of Stephen, and heard him say He saw Jesus at the right hand of God, and even talked with Him – Acts 7:55-60. It could be that those words of Stephen’s were really the pricks (a sting or a goad used to urge oxen on) the Lord used to keep reminding Saul that Jesus was Someone with Whom he had to deal.

Saul asked for and received his letters or orders from the leaders of the Jews, to hunt down believers in other cities, even Damascus in Syria – V. 2. A wonderful strange thing occurred as he came near Damascus. There shined round about him a light from heaven that was brighter than the noon-day sun. Saul fell to the earth, and he heard a voice saying, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?” Right away, Saul knew that voice came from heaven, so he said, “Who are you, Lord?” The answer, of course, was, “I am Jesus Whom you are persecuting” Jesus? Didn’t He die about 7 years ago, he must have thought. How could this be Jesus? Jesus knew Saul’s name and what he was doing. He also knew what was going on inside Saul. Jesus knew those questions and feelings Saul must have had. He told Saul it was hard for him to deal with those things – Vs. 3-5. Saul was really shaken and he asked the second question – “LORD, what will Thou have me to do?” Notice – Saul called Jesus, “Lord.” He recognized Him as being who Stephen said Jesus was. The answer was to arise and go into the city (of Damascus) and it would be told him there what to do – V. 6. It is interesting to note that the men who were with him could hear a voice, but didn’t know what was said, and they didn’t see what Saul saw, either – V. 7.

Saul arose from the earth, but when he opened his eyes, he found he couldn’t see – V. 8. It says in Acts 22:11 – that it was because of the glory of that light. They led him into Damascus. He was three days without being able to see, and he didn’t eat nor drink during that time – V. 9.

The Lord had a follower by the name of Ananias who lived in Damascus. He was told by the Lord to go and find Saul and minister unto him. He was told right where to find him. Isn’t it strange that he was on a street called, “Straight?” Before Saul was on a crooked street, now all was different. At first Ananias was afraid to go because he had heard how Saul had hunted down believers so they could be arrested. The Lord assured Ananias that something had happened to Saul, and he was different now. In fact, he was a chosen vessel. He would be greatly used of the Lord to tell the good news to Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel. Also he would suffer for Jesus’ sake – Vs. 10-16.

Aren’t you glad that God could trust this man Ananias to go to Saul? Sometimes the Lord may give you a job to do for Him. He may want you to tell someone about Jesus. It may be a a person you think would not listen. Go anyway, and you may be surprised at the way the Lord works “on both ends of the line,” so to speak.

Since Ananias obeyed, there were wonderful results. He called Saul, “Brother” since he had met Jesus when that light from heaven came. Right away Saul was able to see, was baptized, and received the Holy Ghost – Vs. 17-18. Then he started right out preaching about the very One he had before been against, announcing that Jesus is the Son of God. The ones who heard him were amazed at the difference in him – Vs. 19-21.

We might think that Stephen didn’t do much work for the Lord since he died so young, But just think of the influence he had on this man Saul. We will find out that later he was greatly used of the Lord, perhaps more than anyone has been since his time. Stephen’s life and testimony were not in vain.

Saul had to escape Damascus in a miraculous way because when he tried to reason with the Jews, some were out to kill him. He later visited Jerusalem and then returned to his home area in Tarsus. There was rest for the believers for awhile since this persecutor, Saul, had changed his ways – Vs. 22-31.
Continued next issue.

A Learning Devotion

Cathy Crook

One morning I had a devotion from the book of Matthew. It really touched something inside of me that made me want to dig deeper. Even though I had heard and read this story many times, I learned more. The Lord gave me understanding of some things that were definitely meant for me. A couple of days later I was praying and I specifically asked the Lord to really show me if I was to continue studying this portion of scripture. Lo and behold as I was doing my devotional the exact story came up again. This time with a little bit different thought. I took it from the Lord, I was to continue. It started out one way then ended up how I have it now. I hope you get as much of the blessing as I did.

Read Matthew 15:21-28 & Mark 7:24-30. I will compare these two accounts of the same event verse by verse. While Matthew says that he departed to the coasts of Tyre and Sidon, Mark 7:24 says he went to the borders of Tyre and Sidon and entered into a house. He did not want anyone to know which house but he could not hide. 

Matthew just mentions a woman of Canaan from the area, she cried unto Him., Lord, (meaning Supreme in Authority, God, master, Sir). Matthew only gives us the account about the disciples reaction. When Jesus did not answer they besought Him to send her away. She was bothering them in her persistence in seeing Jesus. She was not about to give up. In V. 24 he answers them saying that He was sent to the Jewish people She came anyway and worshiped Him. What she said shows that she knew who He was and could deliver her daughter. Mark gives us a little more information about her. He says she was a “certain” woman. That means she was a particular or specific woman. He also says she was a Greek (therefore a Gentile) and also Syrophenician, which means she was a Phoenician woman. We also learn here that she not only cried out but fell at His feet and besought Him to cast out the devil. Besought – is more than just a simple request. She in entreating, praying, close to begging.

Matthew 15:26 – Jesus answers her. He uses the illustration of people taking children’s food away and giving it to the dogs. We would never think of letting children go hungry and feeding the dogs. In Mark 7:27 – He further mentions that Jesus says the children are to be fed first. He is meaning that He was there for the Jewish people and they should partake of what He had for them before the Gentiles.

Both Matthew in V. 27 and Mark V. 28, tells us how she answers. She has some understanding. Even crumbs are available for the dogs. Matthew 15:28 and Mark 7:29 – Jesus recognizes her faith. He grants her petition. Her daughter was delivered at that moment. She saw the result when she returned home. Her daughter was delivered of the devil.

As I read both of these accounts of the same story a complete picture was made, like I said earlier there were some personal teachings that he had to show me. One of them was Faith is believing All things are possible with God. With our faith we honor the Lord and He honors our faith.