“Behold, A Woman of Canaan”
Matthew 15:21-28
This woman of Canaan is held
before us by the Holy Spirit in the Book of Inspiration as an example of faith.
Her faith in Christ is the principle thing in the story recorded by Matthew.
However, when the Holy Spirit says, "Behold, a woman of Canaan," I
think he intends for us to behold these four things:
1.
OUR LORD DETESTS
SELF-RIGHTEOUSNESS.
Of all evils in the world,
none is so obnoxious, abominable, and detestable in the sight of God as
self-righteousness. The Lord Jesus left Jerusalem because he could not stomach
the pride, hardness, and self-righteousness of the Pharisees. During the whole
course of his ministry, he never withdrew, hid himself from, or refused the cry
of a needy sinner. Harlots, publicans, lepers, and beggars always found him
accessible. But he hid himself from self-righteous religionists.
2.
OUR EARTHLY TRIALS SHOULD
TEACH US TO SEEK THE LORD.
This woman was in trouble.
Her darling child was vexed with a devil. There was nothing she could do to
help her. But that trouble, by the arrangement of divine providence, brought
her to Christ and taught her to pray. (Read Psa. 107). She might have lived and
died in carelessness, ignorance, and indifference, had it not been for the
torment of an afflicted child. But, because God had eternal designs of mercy
toward her, he sent her trouble that forced her to come to Christ.
3.
OUR LORD PLACES GREAT VALUE
UPON IMPORTUNATE, INTERCESSORY PRAYER.
"The effectual, fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth
much"
(James 5:16). When we pray, we ought to pray for others. Our prayers often go
unanswered because our prayers are self-centered (James 4:3). This woman came
to the Lord Jesus with a plea for mercy, making the needs of her child her own.
She stood as a Substitute before him who is the sinner's Substitute, making
intercession with him who makes intercession for the transgressors!
4.
GOD ALWAYS HONORS FAITH
BECAUSE FAITH ALWAYS HONORS GOD.
It was the cry of faith from
a poor beggar which caused the Son of God to stand still. Faith always gets
God's attention. Faith always gets hold of Christ. Wherever he sees it, he
says, "Thou hast ravished my
heart...thou hast ravished my heart with one of thine eyes" (Song Of
Sol. 4:9). The only way in which sinners can please God and honor him is faith
in the Lord Jesus Christ (Heb. 11:5-6).
Grace Baptist Church of Danville - Grace For
Today Radio Message #713
2734 Old Stanford Road -
Danville, Kentucky 40422-9438
Donald S. Fortner, Pastor -Telephone 606-236-8235 - Email grace@mis.net