GOOD THINGS: GOING TO THE DOGS

Every country has its wise sayings. For all pet lovers, the subject is dogs. Here are some famous sayings: "Its a dog-eat-dog world." "The dogs bark, but the caravan moves on." "A barking dog never bites." "The dog days of August." "A dog is man's best friend." "Every dog has his day." "He who lies down with the dogs rises up with fleas." "Let sleeping dogs lie." "Love me, love my dog " "You can't teach an old dog new tricks." "The tail doesn't wag the dog." "This world is going to the dogs."

Even the Bible is filled with sayings about dogs. Psalms 22:16 says "The dogs are all around me, a crowd of evildoers encircle me; they have pierced my hands and feet." In this instance, "dogs" refer to the Gentile peoples or to anyone who is not Jewish. Matthew, in his Gospel, has these words: "Don't give dogs what is holy; do not throw your pearls before swine." God blesses his faithful ones; God is teaching his people to live lives of righteousness and holiness. Many people in this world do not know, and do not want to know, what holiness and living in a right relationship with God is all about. Some are at war against all that is right and good and holy; they trample holiness in the mud and mire of life. Finally, Mark tells this story in 7:27-28: Jesus has gone to another State to get away from the crowds, and to get some R & R. Jesus cannot hide from those seeking him. A Greek woman, one of those Gentile dogs, finds Jesus and begs him to heal her daughter. Jesus' reply is a strange one: "It's not right to take the children's bread and throw it to the dogs." Perhaps Jesus is merely expressing the prejudice common to his day; perhaps Jesus sees his primary mission to the Jews first and then to the Gentiles. Instead of taking offense, the woman persists, "That's true, Lord, but even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from the children's table." Because of her persistence, and her faith, Jesus heals the woman's daughter.

At times this is a dog-eat-dog world. Sometimes we feel that our world is going to the dogs. The forces of darkness and evil have brought our standards of living to an all-time low. Selfishness and greed, envy and immorality seem to be winning.

The Good News is that Jesus can and will heal our illnesses, solve our problems and make life worth living! Sometimes, however, we must be persistent in seeking Jesus; persistent in asking for help and healing for ourselves and for those we love!

God is persistent in seeking out all those who are lost, who are in a wrong relationship with Him. If it were not for God's persistent love, the churches would be empty. Because of God's persistent love for us "dogs," let us be persistent in loving the people around us.