Thursday 9 February

1 Kings 11:4-13; Psalm 106; Mark 7:24-30.

Humble, persistent faith.

In many ancient cultures women were treated as second-class citizens. That’s not God’s way. Today’s Syrophoenician woman, a pagan, interceding with Jesus on behalf of her sick daughter, showed extraordinary faith. ‘Even the house–dogs under the table can eat the children’s scraps!’, and she received the blessing of Jesus. Her daughter was healed. You and I can approach Jesus in our lowliness. He is a gracious Saviour who hears our prayers, no matter how insignificant we might be in the world’s sight.