Encouragement in Christ JESUS our KING

"But Jesus answered not a word." —Matthew 15:23 [KJV] 

What! not a word from the compassionate Saviour, Who is touched with a feeling of our infirmities? is He deaf to the cries, and dumb to the intreaties of a distressed, sorrowful heart? No; love in the heart has always an open ear to complaints, a ready tongue to speak comfort, and a kind hand to relieve. But love afflicts, to bring His children to Him, and to make them call upon Him: He forbears to answer, that they may be the more importunate. God's delays prove faith's vigor, make love cling closer, prayer more fervent, and patience shine brighter. So the graces of God's children are drawn forth into lively exercise, and are made manifest that they are wrought by God. Perseverance obtains the blessing in due time. Jesus honors and applauds the grace of His beloved members with, 'O man, O woman, great is thy faith!'  

Christ knew what work He had wrought in this poor humble, supplicant's heart, whereby she knew Jesus to be Lord and God; therefore He proved her and tried her, that her faith might shine bright to His glory and her soul's comfort. As she possessed the same faith, so she discovers the same resolution of Job, "Though He slay me, yet will I trust in Him." And, with Jacob, she would wrestle; and her heart determined, "I will not let Thee go except Thou bless me."—Genesis 32:26. But the silence of Jesus was very disheartening. When He speaks, it is quite discouraging. Though she worshipped Him and sighed out, "Lord, help me;" yet Jesus seems rather to repulse than comfort her. But true faith ever sinks the soul low in humility, while it clings close to the most high God. The soul owns its hateful vileness and utter unworthiness, and fixes all its plea upon free-grace mercy; all its hopes upon Jesus only. Thus Christ empties whom He delights to fill. He makes us to see and confess ourselves to be dogs, fit only to feed under the table, though He loves us as children, and all that He hath is ours, by free gift, precious promise, and rich grace. O thou poor, fearing, doubting soul, who hast long been seeking, waiting, and praying for comfort, in a word or look from Jesus, take courage hence. Ever trust in Him Who saith, "I have satiated the weary soul, and I have replenished every sorrowful soul."—Jeremiah 31:25.  

My spirit looks to God alone; My rock and refuge is His throne; In all my fears, in all my straits, My soul on His salvation waits.  

Trust Him, ye saints, in all your ways, Pour out your hearts before His face: When helpers fail, and foes invade, God is our all-sufficient aid. 

-William Mason (1724-1797 A.D.) 

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