She believed! She worshiped and even knelt down! (v25). If the plan was to dissuade her –like an experienced lawyer she brilliantly argued her case and turned her seemingly desolate situation into an occasion of great joy, victory and celebration. She fought and won. We too must fight and win. The devil cannot, simply cannot have our children and that which belongs to us. This woman staged a protest all by herself and gravely told the Lord “even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from the masters’table” (v27). Her claim was even the dogs deserve to be fed and wait in expectation for some means of nourishment and sustenance.
This woman became a fierce worshiper. I don’t know if she knew that she was engaging in spiritual warfare. It seems like every evil spirit-being of darkness was intent on her not getting through. Even the initial responses of the Lord seemed discouraging and somewhat unyielding. Yet she fought her way through with a made-up mind and an intensity of worship that is to be envied and emulated. Pressed on every side, she is pushed by her faith to worship her way through.
It all seemed so negative but instead of giving up, she presses further in. When she didn’t have an adequate rebuttal, Matthew declares “The woman came, and knelt before him. ‘Lord help me!’ she said” (v25). The King James version states “Then came she and worshiped him, saying, Lord help me” (v25). There is an indefinable tone and timbre to her worship that cannot be easily dismissed or disregarded. It is a worship that is so spiritual and so desperately driven by faith that divine help is dispatched, and the power of God activated. She finally heard the most sublime words ever “. . . O woman, great is thy faith: be it unto you even as thou wilt. And her daughter was made whole from that very hour” (v28). This was real worship –worshiping in the midst of a crisis, refusing to be sidetracked, hindered or turned away empty.
During this Covid-19 and all the other social ills that now plague us, may we never stop fighting back with fierce, persistent, unwavering faith and worship. Let all hell know that we still believe God and that healing and deliverance will come from this awful virus. Like the Syrophoenician woman we cry out “have mercy upon us, O Lord” and as we worship we pray “Lord, help us.” We, His creation, will never stop worshiping and petitioning our Creator –“The Omnipotent One”–for healing, revival and restoration. We resolutely affirm that the devil cannot have our loved ones. Knowing that the Almighty will help us and come to our rescue –we passionately worship.
We take great refuge in knowing “ . . . A time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks “John 4:23.
Leroy V. Greenaway
Presiding Bishop – Northeast Region
August 8, 2020
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PLEASE NOTE
In collaboration with our District Overseers, the Church of God of Prophecy submits to the wisdom of continuing to ‘Shelter in Place’ for the safety and protection of the flock. This is to be observed until further notice and the present virus is better contained. Should the need arise to meet, we are advised to meet in groups of no more than 10, while we strictly observe the protocols of social distancing, wearing of masks and aggressive sanitizing of our hands and surfaces frequently touched.
Please let us patiently observe these practices to keep each other safe and alive. We are reminded that we are indeed our brother’s keeper. Stay home! Stay Healthy! Stay Hopeful! We shall soon get through this! Premature re-openings of our churches seem not to be the wisest way to go at this point. Let us continue to pray, caring for each other and staying connected.
Leroy V. Greenaway
Regional, Presiding Bishop — Northeast Region
