Today’s Reading: Mark 7:24-8:10 

Whether we want to admit it or not, we all want to be included. We want to be where the happenings are. We want people to call us and let us know what’s going on. Even if we can’t make it, just the fact somebody call me and let me know, is good enough. We don’t like to be on the outside looking in. We all want to be at the party. We want to be a part of the happenings and going on.

However, sometimes we are not invited the party. We don’t make the cut. We are not in the “in crowd”, not on the A list. Maybe it’s because we don’t have a certain status or job or know the right people. Maybe we don’t have the education or the wherewith all to get a RSVP invitation. Maybe we don’t attend the right social functions or in the right club. Maybe we don’t live in the right neighbourhood or subdivision. Maybe it’s then that we are left out of the party.

In today’s reading Jesus now heads for “unclean” Gentile country and I can imagine the religious leaders saying, “Why is he going there? What is he doing in Gentile country? Doesn’t he know that these people are unclean?” According to religion, these Gentile people weren’t invited to the party. They weren’t fit for the theology of the day.  But here we see in this passage, Jesus is approached by a woman who is in a desperate situation. She needs something in her life. She comes to the Lord and as she does, she is not asking for the “whole meal,” she is just asking for the “crumbs.” She is just asking Jesus to somehow move in her situation.  “I know this isn’t protocol, I know I am not supposed to be doing this. I know I could get into trouble. I know that people think I am crazy. I tried everything that I know how. I know that I probably look bad right now, but Lord I need you right now! I don’t care who sees me. I don’t care who knows about it. I don’t care what people say about me. I don’t care what might happen. Lord, I need help and I need it right now!

Jesus said to her “You don’t have to eat the crumbs you can have the whole meal!” You may not think you are worthy, but don’t settle for the crumbs. You think you shouldn’t receive a blessing, but don’t settle for the crumbs. You think your child won’t ever come around, but don’t settle for the crumbs. You may have been out of church for a while, but don’t settle for the crumbs. You think you can’t make it on your job, but don’t settle for the crumbs. You are waiting on Mr. or Mrs. Right, but don’t settle for the crumbs. You are waiting on that promotion, but don’t settle for the crumbs.  God will bless us when we come to Him by faith.

Reflection

Have you settled for less than God’s best?