MARK 7:24 - 8:26 DONE ALL THINGS WELL In the process of training His disciples, the Lord has some lessons for them to learn that had to be taught, and experienced, in another way and place. Most Jews would not have considered Gentiles to be able to be accepted by God. They were considered as human scavenging dogs, marauding across their nation. It is not uncommon for us to think people from a different background, a different culture, a different race and a different nation are less in importance than we are. There is a tendency on our part to look down on such people as inferior to us. The disciples had to learn the value of every person. They had to learn that motherly concern is the same in every place. A mother's heart yearns for the comfort and well-being of her children. There is in a mother by nature, an overflowing desire to protect her young at any cost. The mother whose daughter was demon-possessed came in faith to Jesus having heard of Him fame and already having placed her faith in Him. It is important for us to assess a situation and a person's interest as precisely as possible. A whole lot of dialogue was not appropriate here. Faith in Christ and love together are irresistible. Her love for her daughter, her faith in Christ and her proper estimation of herself put her in a position for blessing from the Lord Jesus. This principle holds true today and calls for discernment on the part of the one who serves the Lord.
There are two more incidents in these concluding reports of the proof of the Savior's identity before the great testimony of Peter. In each of these there is friendly sympathy on the part of some to bring a needy person to Christ. One could not hear and speak. The other was blind. It is interesting and, I believe, important to notice the Lord Jesus Christ adapted His actions in every case as He discerned would be the best way to accomplish His purpose. We learn for ourselves to expect the unexpected. "Be ready to give an answer to every one that asketh of the hope that is in you." There really is not a set pattern to follow in meeting the needs of the people. The Holy Spirit can guide us into a suitable way to adapt to the need of the moment.
Even when it is obvious the Lord is doing a work and we are involved in something significant, there will be criticism from those who want everything done within their frame of reference. When challenged as to our work and right to be thus engaged, it is incumbent on us to remain loyal to the Lord and His Word. When hungry people are fed and hurting people are helped; when lives are changed by the power of the Gospel and God is doing a work through you - it may be that deep within you a resentment arises and you will have to dismiss both it and the critics as quickly as possible. Conflict usually has adverse effects and doesn't produce anything that is lasting at the end.
People you thought would understand what God is doing because they are with you and even assisting in the labors, may only be going through the motions. They may have a problem grasping the value of what God is doing and look at issues and events in almost the same way as unbelievers. Don't hold back from presenting the truth even though there seems to be failure. When one is loyal to the Lord and His truth, we need to remember His "Word will not return to Him void."
The fields are white, the world is big, the laborers in the harvest are few. Often the lack of response to God's call is because most have only a short view. It is up to those who pray to ask God to send laborers into the field - And we have a responsibility in teaching people that to God's call they yield.
There are people out there who are broken-hearted although you would never know. The difficulties at home with family life, very seldom to the public shows. But the Spirit knows the truth of the matter and prompts you to meet the need. It may be to minister to them through the Word, or for them to do some deed.
Around us are many helpless people who have not heard or don't understand - The compassion of the Lord can be seen and experienced through efforts of their fellowman. It may be all that is needed is for some interest to be shown to their situation. By bringing that person to the Lord Jesus may result in their salvation.
It is almost considered to be inevitable that there will be those who criticize. What we preach and teach is different than the forms they so greatly prize. When those testing times come, don't despair, our God is forever the same. Stay loyal to Him and the truth of His Word, continue on in the power of His name.
"It has happened, Father, and I expect it will again. We will be criticized for doing what we do in the work of the Lord. I know there is much to do here, but the interest in the Gospel and Thy Word is not to be found. I pray that by helping others as best we can, these two older servants may be able to strengthen the hands of the younger laborers in the harvest field. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen."