Dear Caldwell,
Jesus is portrayed in the gospels as a champion debater. He had to be. Whether it was the religious leaders of his day or the representatives of the powerful Roman occupying government, others were constantly trying to catch Jesus in a verbal trap. Time and again, however, Jesus bested them. He left them slack-jawed over how he “got away” rhetorically. Or, other times, they were left even more determined to eliminate Jesus and his counter-cultural, upside-down view of things, including power, justice, love, faith and how to treat those most in need.
But there was one person who got the best of Jesus. We know her in Matthew as the Canaanite woman. As outsiders went, they didn’t come any more “outside” than she did. Yet, she had a strong faith and, maybe, an even stronger heart, and she wouldn’t let Jesus go until she had changed his heart. This was one time when Jesus was left turned upside-down and inside-out. We will explore this story in Matthew 15 on Sunday.
As we travel from Sunday to Sunday this week, we are surrounded by people like the Canaanite woman, those relegated to the margins, even almost invisible, yet so determined to be heard, recognized, respected that nothing will stop them. As with Jesus, if we slow down, listen to them and let their words change us, we can be left far better off. Who might you encounter this week who fits that description? Will you slow down and listen? Or, will you keep going?
Two quick additional items:
1. Thanks to the dozens of you who returned the congregational survey the session put out. Most give Caldwell high marks for living into its challenging Mission Statement, so far. Yet, you also had plenty of helpful feedback for how we can improve our journey and mission together in response to God’s grace. The session will put your responses to good use in a planning retreat this weekend.
2. We are thankful that Jackie Abernethy is better after a fall and being hospitalized for breathing problems. She has a small spot of pneumonia but is being treated. She is in the ICU at CMC-Pineville and asks for your prayers. Also, we are praying for Nijay and Daisy Oatman as they face important decisions about what is best for Nijay.
Look for Caldwell This Week Friday. I remain
Yours in Christ,
John