Word for the day “The perseverance of leaders.”
Matthew 15:21(NKJV) Then Jesus went out from there and departed to the region of Tyre and Sidon. 22 And behold, a woman of Canaan came from that region and cried out to Him, saying, “Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David! My daughter is severely demon-possessed.”23 But He answered her, not a word. And His disciples came and urged Him, saying, “Send her away, for she cries out after us.” 24 But He answered and said, “I was not sent except to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” 25 Then she came and worshiped Him, saying, “Lord, help me!” 26 But He answered and said, “It is not good to take the children’s bread and throw it to the little dogs.” 27 And she said, “Yes, Lord, yet even the little dogs eat the crumbs which fall from their masters’ table.” 28 Then Jesus answered and said to her, “O woman, great is your faith! Let it be to you as you desire.” And her daughter was healed from that very hour.
Beloved Leaders,
The Gospel message for today is the account of the persistent Canaanite woman. She epitomizes some of the characteristics leaders should learn and embody. Like all the “Impact” Gospel stories, it packs a spiritual value. Leaders who embrace perseverance in their trust in Jesus will experience unprecedented outcomes in their lives.
GOD’S MESSAGE OF SALVATION IS FOR ALL HUMANKIND.
God’s salvation purpose is for the whole world. Israel was chosen so that it would be a conduit for the salvation of all. Therefore, Jesus’ primary mission is indeed to his fellow Jews, but throughout the Gospels, there are hints that his ministry has a broader purpose that embodies the whole world. Yes, the Lord came for all people, and leaders must actualize this virtue in the earth realm.
When Jesus enters a pagan territory, a Canaanite woman calls out, “Have pity on me, Lord, Son of David! My daughter is tormented by a demon.” She represents the longing of the world for the justice, the mercy, and the love of God. She senses correctly where this is to be found. She embodies the hunger of lost humanity. The message in today’s reading can be missed if we are not careful to unpack the shared vision, values, and virtues.
Leaders who embrace perseverance in prayer will experience the Lord in unprecedented ways.
Jesus’ responses move from silence to an indirect rebuke to an outright insult. And rolling with the punches, the woman responds with faith that pleases the Lord. Is Jesus testing the woman in order that she might know just how great her faith is? That was St. Augustine’s explanation for why God sometimes says no to repeated prayer. And this is why perseverance in prayer is so strongly recommended in the great tradition of Christianity.
POINT TO PONDER
Suppose you are at a place in your life’s journey where your prayers or life seem to be going in the wrong direction. Today’s message reminds us to keep on praying and know that Christ has the answers for your life. This Canaanite woman, who was perhaps not considered a leader. Literally, she shares the perseverance all leaders will need in their lives, and that Christ has and is the answer for the world today.
Special Thanks,
Chief Encouragement Officer (CEO) James Baker, Jr., and our leadership team are incredibly thankful to those aligned with us. Help us equip this generation of leaders for their God-given assignments. Your generous donation supports our labor of love, From Grace and Truth Leadership's mission to embrace, empower, and encourage leaders and emerging leaders globally.