Coffee With The Lord

Forgotten people… marginalized people… the oppressed, persecuted, poor and afflicted… Let me declare what the Bible declares – God cares about them!  I mean, here it is right out  of the mouth of Jesus:  “So the last will be first, and the first last.” (Matthew 20:16)  In fact, one of the distinguishing characteristics of Luke’s account of the life, teaching and ministry of Jesus was his emphasis on these very kind of people.  Theologians have called this theme in Scripture, “the priority of the oppressed and afflicted.”  Don’t get me wrong, God cares about everyone!  All humanity are the object of His loving care and concern!  But it seems He especially cares about the abused and those forgotten by others!

In fact, I read an  Old Testament passage  – a Psalm – this morning that seemed to pick up on, and emphasize, that very theme…

“I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart; I will recount all of your wonderful deeds… The Lord sits enthroned forever; He has established His throne for justice, and He judges the world with righteousness; he judges the peoples with uprightness. The Lord is a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.  Those who know your name put their trust in you, for you, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek you.  Sing praises to the Lord! … Tell among the peoples his deeds!  For He does not forget the cry of the afflicted! … For the needy shall not always be forgotten, and the hope of the poor shall not perish forever!” (From Psalm 9 ESV)

Is it any wonder then, that Jesus spoke these words twice in one passage, “As you have done it unto the least of these, you have done it unto Me!” (Matthew 25:31-46)  Here is my prayer:  “Oh Lord, may those who are the love and concern of your heart always be my love and concern as well!”

How old are you?  (I know that is a personal question – you don’t have to answer it.) 😉  Perhaps today is your birthday – I don’t know.

I was dedicated to the Lord by my parents when I was days old… In a couple of weeks I’ll celebrate my 70^th birthday.  I dedicated my life to Christ personally as a small child during family devotions in our home in Western Montana and have rededicated my life to Him many times since… Don’t know how many years the Lord will give me but I intend to live every day of my life for His honor and glory!

Today I read a passage of Scripture during my time of “coffee with the Lord” that reminded me of the privilege I’ve had of living my life for the Lord and His faithfulness to me… In fact, I jotted these words in the margin of my Bible after reading those words… “The Lord is good and faithful – cradle to grave!”  I hope that expresses your sentiments and testimony! – I know it does mine!  Here’s the passage from Isaiah 46…

“Listen to me, O house of Jacob, and all the remnant of the house of Israel, you who have been borne by Me from before your  birth, carried from the womb!  Even to your old age I am He!  And to gray hairs I will carry you!  I have made, and I will bear – I will carry and I will save!” (Isaiah 46:3-4 ESV)

And to that I say, “Thank you Lord!  I’m depending on it!  You are faithful… cradle to grave!”

She had become kind of a pain, troubling the disciples with her cries on behalf of her deeply troubled daughter. After all, she wasn’t a Jew, just a marginalized Canaanite woman. She was not only continually bothering them – she also was desperately trying to get through to Jesus. His disciples begged Him, “Send here away, for she is continually crying out after us!”

I think Jesus knew what was happening here… a little social superiority, some racism, and the disciples probably felt there were perhaps more important people for Jesus to spend his time and energy on…

Jesus played along (I believe He knew what was in her heart). He answered her, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” (I can almost see the disciples nodding their enthusiastic support for that one!)

But she persisted, kneeling before Him she cried out, “Lord help me!” Again He played along, almost baiting the disciples… He told her, “It is not right to take the children’s bread and throw it to the ‘dogs.”” (I can hear their mumbled agreement at that remark toward this gentile woman’s persistence!)

But she pressed on anyway, she said, “Yes, Lord, yet even the ‘dogs’ eat the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table!”

Then Jesus fairly exploded with affirmation! He exclaimed to her, “Oh woman, great is your faith! Be it done for you as you desire!” And the Bible says her daughter was healed of her demonic oppression instantly! (From Matthew 15:21-28)
God honors persistent, patient faith! Faith that presses through obstacles and discouragement! O Lord, help me to have that kind of faith!