We often reprint prior devotions that now reflect on the coming lectionary texts. This is a reprint from a devotion originally published on January 7, 2013.
Prayer: Mediate on or discuss with one another this quote: "Faith is a belief in what you do not yet see, and the reward of faith is to see what you believe." (Author Unknown) Reading: Matthew 15: 21-28 (Click to read text) Stop and GROW: After reading the text, discuss/ponder the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's Book of Faith questions, which are part of Camp Mount Luther's GROW Time with campers. QUESTION 1: What scares, confuses, challenges, or doesn’t make sense to me in this text? QUESTION 2: What delights me in this text or is my favorite part of the story? QUESTION 3: What stories or memories does this text stir in me? QUESTION 4: What is God up to in this text? Additional Questions:
Reflection: I must admit it-- I do not like Brussel sprouts. I like all other vegetables, but I would pass on Brussel sprouts every time. I do not know why I don't like them; I like cabbage fixed other ways, but I don't like those sprouts. Maybe my dislike comes from the evening I had to sit at the dinner table all by myself after everyone else left because I had not finished my Brussel sprouts. My mom made me sit there until I ate every last bite. If I remember correctly, I lived out our Bible text for today by giving them to our dog. Unfortunately, I then told my mom that I had eaten them. (I did admit it years later!) I was eating dinner once a young child and Brussel sprouts were on the menu. I told his mother that I did not like Brussel sprouts (and I was not alone-- neither did her husband) but I encouraged the boy to try them. Maybe he would like the "casserole" as he called them. I knew I did not! Since everyone has their own taste, I wanted him to try the sprouts-- even though I knew I did not want to touch them. At another point in my life, I was forced by my mother to eat a piece of fruit. She told me that if I ate a banana at supper, she would buy me a roll of film for my new camera. (Yes, I know this story dates me in our digital age!) I had just gotten that new Kodak and the deal sounded appealing. I was not a big fruit fan, but I ate one so that I could get that roll of film. And, I liked it. Today, bananas remain my favorite fruit. Two experiences, basically the same, being forced to do something with two different outcomes. I still do not like Brussel sprouts, but I love bananas. Maybe if my mom would have promised me a roll of film if I ate my Brussel sprouts, I'd like them more. But I doubt it! --Chad Hershberger
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