Sermon from 8/17/2014 Matthew 15:28 Then Jesus answered, "Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted." And her daughter was healed from that very hour. 1. There is nothing more ____________ than the ____________ of God. 2. No matter the ____________, faith ____________ to Jesus. 3. Jesus always ____________ upon ____________. Scripture Readings Isaiah 56:1,6-8 Romans 11:1-2a,13-15,28-32 Matthew 15:21-28 Take It With You! Here we will offer thoughts and meditations on the message to help us as we contemplate and discuss and wrestle with what we are hearing. This is also the manner of God's dealing with us. For a long time he denies our petition and the answer always is "No"; but if we hold fast to the "Yes", it will finally be "Yes", and no longer "No." For his Word does not lie (John 16:23): "Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you." Because the Word is true, his promise will not fail. But our mind is greatly agitated by such delay and we would much rather that God would answer without delay. But we must not become aggravated. We must let our Lord God say "No," as he holds up our petition for a year, two years, three, or even longer, being on guard lest our hope and faith be wrenched from our hearts. We will in the end find that will do far more for us that we asked for, just as in the case of this woman. Had she asked for even more, he would have granted it. Our Lord God thus wishes to teach us that it is not always good to be heard immediately. In urgent need his answer is there, as for example, should we fall into the water, or be involved in warfare; the answer will not be long delayed. The same is true for great, difficult spiritual trials. But where the waiting and delay can be endured, we should learn that he usually holds back for our own good. It is as the prophet Habakkuk says (2:3): "For the vision is yet for an appointed time; but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry." Martin Luther, Sermon for Reminiscere Sunday - Second Sunday in Lent, 1534. ~~ Sermon Audio Podcast (iTunes): http://bit.ly/flcsermons Bible Study Audio Podcast (iTunes): http://bit.ly/flcbiblestudies Church Website: http://faithmoorpark.com/
