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It can be so easy when we feel down, and our life seems to have placed us on our on, to feel that God has somehow abandoned us.

We can secretly feel in the darkness of our night as we try to sleep, that we must be a second-class Christian, that Jesus has place us last on the list of those whom He responds to.

Do you feel sometimes that its because you are not part of the “inter circle” of your church, or just other Christians in general? Perhaps you subconsciously feel that its because of this that your life is not what you expected it to be? If this is so, you are not alone:

“After leaving there, Jesus withdrew to the district of Tyre and Sidon. And a Canaanite woman from that district came out and began to cry out [urgently], saying, “Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David (Messiah); my daughter is cruelly possessed by a demon.” But He did not say a word in answer to her. And His disciples came and asked Him [repeatedly], “Send her away, because she keeps shouting out after us.” He answered, “I was commissioned by God and sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” But she came and began to kneel down before Him, saying, “Lord, help me!” And He replied, “It is not good (appropriate, fair) to take the children’s bread and throw it to the [d]pet dogs.” She said, “Yes, Lord; but even the pet dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their [young] masters’ table.” Then Jesus answered her, “Woman, your faith [your personal trust and confidence in My power] is great; it will be done for you as you wish.” And her daughter was healed from that moment.” - Matthew 15:20-25

Sometimes we can feel that we are not even partaking of the crumbs. That somehow we are “second class” Christians.

Perhaps this scripture has discouraged and disheartened you (it has others) when reading it. It seems to cast a negative impression of the love and compassion of Jesus. Notice a commentary on this scripture:

“Jews used kuon (dog) as a derogatory term referring to Gentiles. This dog (kuon) was a despised, filthy, homeless street scavenger. When speaking with this woman, Jesus uses a word for “dog” (kunarion) that refers to a household pet. The use of the word kunariois by both Jesus and the woman reflects the tenderness and spiritual depth of this exchange. More importantly, it foreshadows the fact that Gentile believers would not be spiritually homeless, but would also be welcomed into God’s household as His children. The gracious response of the woman recorded in confirms that on some level she understands this.” (AMP Commentary)

Jesus was simply making a point that reveals the mercy and compassion in His heart for all people - Jews and Gentiles.

"Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him." - Acts 10:34-35

God the Father and Jesus have exactly the same love and compassion for all peoples. Jesus is no “respecter of persons” Jesus Christ is [eternally changeless, always] the same yesterday and today and forever. (Hebrews 13:8).

Regardless of your nationality, your race, your status in this world, Jesus has the same love for you as He had for his disciples, He has the same compassion for you as this woman in the scripture above, or any saint that has ever lived or ever will live.

He loves all the same: then, yesterday, today.. and for you.

"Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever." (Hebrews 13:8)

"Refreshment in Refuge" from Gina Burgess

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