Pentecost +14

"It is all for good" .....that was one of the main points of Rev. Elizabeth Bloch's sermon of 8/17/08. The Old Testament reading was from Genesis 45: 1-15 - the dramatic story of Joseph and his brothers. A story of forgiveness and redemption. A story in which Joseph states, "You meant it for evil but God meant it for good."(Gen. 50:20).

And then we meet the Canaanite woman who takes Jesus to task when he informs her that it is not right to take the food that is meant for the children of Israel and throw it to the dogs. My immediate response would have been "Who are you calling a dog?".....But this is one tenacious woman who had no time for taking offense because her daughter desperately needed what only Jesus could offer - help for her tormented daughter. And so she fires right back at Him, "Even the dogs eat the scraps that fall from the table.".....Ouch......that had to hit hard - and yet according to E+ Jesus needed this woman as much as she needed Him. She "changed his perspective for Him, re-visioning the direction of His life and mission in a single encounter."

How often do I brush off those encounters with people that I don't agree with? Am I missing out on opportunities for growth and change? Am I missing out on chances to change my direction? Lord, help me to see you in everyone and everything - help me to realize like Joseph and the Canaanite woman that with You, all is meant for good.