“But He did not answer her with even a word. And His disciples came up and urged Him, saying, “Send her away, because she keeps shouting at us!” But He answered and said, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel” (Matthew 15:23-24).
There are people who annoy us. But sometimes, even though annoying, they are the ones the Lord knows we must minister to or be ministered by. Do not just look on the outside, but to the inside to see another brother or sister when they come to you. Jesus came for the lost sheep. The name Israel means “God prevails.” All who know the Lord God who prevails are amongst the sheep. Jesus has come for all who will believe.
Father in heaven, it is not that You are tricky or not completely revealing to us the truth, but that our hearts are often selfish and thinking only in terms of our group. You love us all and those who come to You in faith remain amongst the lost, no matter their earthly heritage. Lead me out of the exclusive thinking that happens in this age to see that there are from around the world those whom You have called to come through faith to You.
Lord Jesus, You have called me to walk in the goodness of the Father’s mercy to be conformed to Your image. Guide me this day to live into the hope and promise that You give me by grace. Others may come, even insistently, so help me to receive all who come in faith and minister to others as You have ministered to me. Lead me in the upward call You have set before me to love others as You love me. Amen.
