Second Week in Epiphany – Monday
He that believeth shall not make haste. – Isaiah 28:16.
When Jesus’ activity in Galilee was at an end, He went with His disciples into the parts of Tyre and Sidon, cities of Syrophenicia. And behold, a Canaanitish woman, “cried unto Him, saying: ‘Have mercy on me, O Lord, Thou son of David; my daughter is grievously vexed with a devil.’ But He answered her not a word. And His disciples came and besought Him, saying: ‘Send her away, for she crieth after us.’ But He answered and said: ‘I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel’” (Matthew 15:22-24).
In Israel, Jesus was to manifest Himself through miracles while sojourning visibly on earth. But the woman came and “worshiped Him, saying: ‘Lord, help me.’ But He answered and said: ‘It is not meet [proper] to take the children’s bread, and to cast it to the dogs.’ And she said: ‘Truth, Lord; yet the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their masters’ table.’ Then Jesus answered and said unto her: ‘O woman, great is thy faith; be it unto thee even as thou wilt.’ And her daughter was made whole from that very hour” (Matthew 15:21-28).
“He that believeth shall not make haste.” Keep calling upon Jesus in every trouble of body and soul. Continue to ask Him for His help and strength during every day of your remaining life. When it seems that He does not hear your prayers, and when He chastens you (Hebrews 12:6), then do not “make haste” and turn away from Him. Rather, turn to Him again and again, continue to believe His Word of truth and grace, especially the wonderful truth that God, in His grace, in His undeserved love, promised in eternity “the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world” (Revelation 13:8), that Lamb who “was wounded for our transgressions; He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon Him, and with His stripes we are healed” (Isaiah 53:5), that “Lamb of God which taketh away the sin of the world” (John 1:29), that “whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have eternal life” (John 3:16).
Remember these priceless truths and cling to them as your solid foundation. “He that believeth shall not make haste.”
PRAYER – O Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, I thank Thee for taking the curse of the Law and the wrath of God on Thyself, suffering that in my behalf and in behalf of the whole world. Now, through receiving Thy substitutionary work, I have freedom from “the curse of the Law” because Christ was “made a curse for [me]” (Galatians 3:13). Now, by faith in Thee, help me to serve, love, and bow to Thee and to Thy Word more and more, showing my gratitude more and more for all that Thou hast done and sacrificed for me and for the world of sinners. Amen.
My hope is built on nothing less, than Jesus’ blood and righteousness;
I dare not trust the sweetest frame, but wholly lean on Jesus’ name.
On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand; all other ground is sinking sand.
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His oath, His covenant, and blood, support me in the whelming flood;
when ev’ry earthly prop gives way, He then is all my Hope and Stay.
On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand; all other ground is sinking sand.
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When He shall come with trumpet sound; oh, may I then in Him be found;
clothed in His righteousness alone, faultless to stand before the throne.
On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand; all other ground is sinking sand.
Hymn 370, stanzas 1, 3-4 (TLH)