Hi there
So after my friend, Rebecca’s, Justa sermon, I met the good lady for a second time. She spoke directly to me about life and how we respond to being ‘disappointed’ by God. Today’s Holy Nougat offers serious food for thought.
“But she said, “Yes, Master, but even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table.”” Matthew 15:27 TLV
Again I was transported to a special place as the nougat was unpacked. This time, I was transformed by Justa’s response to Jesus’ rebuff. Her simple, humble response was, ‘Yes but … ’. Could you see her, at Jesus’ feet, in worship And supplication on behalf of her daughter? So many women, parents can relate.
When Jesus ignored her she cried louder; the disciples tried to move her – she was adamant. Jesus refused once again. She remained Resolute. Then Jesus turned her away With an insult; the toe-curling, I’m gonna have a race riot’ variety. To which she responded, Yes but.
WOW
Three scenarios are vying for prominence in my mind. The first – don’t ‘butt’ me down- a response I sometimes got for arguments long lost when I was in the wrong or considered to have been. Jesus could have further humiliated her. She calculated the risk – her need was Greater than the potential insult – and she persisted.
The second – whenever you answer someone and add a ‘but’; the But cancels whatever preceded it – she sought to cancel everything said to her that day; including Jesus’ apparent rejection. The Yes placated, and the But persisted. This is especially significant in light of the many rejections we will face/have been facing. Will we believe enough in our needs to persevere?
And thirdly, ‘Yes, But’ was a moment of transformation. For Justa, whose daughter benefitted from her mother‘a persistence. For Jesus, Who was deliberate in His testing. Lastly, for each of us who dares to ‘Yes, But’ past disappointments and disrespect for the right reasons.
Yes, But.
Two words that could change lives. First, we have to apply them.
In Christ’s love and grace . . .
