Lent 02 - Sunday Morning (2023)

The Second Sunday in Lent

• Old Test: Gen. 32:22-32
• Epistle: 1 Thess. 4:1-7
• Gospel: Matt. 15:21-28

Jacob wrestled with God; he would not let Him go until he received a blessing from Him. (Gen 32:22-32) So it was with the Canaanite woman. Though Jesus seemed to ignore and reject her, yet she continued to call upon His name and look to Him for help. (Mt 15:21-28) Even when the Lord called her a little dog, she held on to Him in faith and would not let Him wriggle out of His words: "Yet even the little dogs eat the crumbs which fall from their masters' table." This Gentile woman shows herself to be a true Israelite, who struggles with God and man in Christ and prevails. "O woman, great is your faith! Let it be to you as you desire." This is the sanctifying will of God, (1 Thess 4:1-7) to test your faith in order that it may be refined and strengthened. For tribulation produces perseverance; perseverance, character; character, hope. And hope in Christ does not disappoint. (Rom 5:1-5)