In today’s day and age, there is a lot of talk about “entitlement.” Entitlement is a buzz word that is used in sociology textbooks, political stump speeches, post-game press conferences, leadership podcasts, and parenting books. Though the word may be used to mean different things, at its core, entitlement could be defined this way (according to dictionary.com):
“the belief that one is inherently deserving of privileges or special treatment”
Political candidates talk about “entitlements” . . . services people come to expect from their government. College coaches talk about “entitled attitudes” among star players who expect to play all the time regardless of how hard they practice. Older generations talk of younger generations being “entitled” because they expect to live an opulent life early, without “paying their dues.”
Though many people talk about how OTHERS are entitled, I have yet to meet the person who wants to be “entitled.” No one wakes up in the morning and says, “I think I will try to be more entitled today!” So, what is the foundation of an un-entitled life? In Matthew 15:21-28, we see a woman become the epitome of an un-entitlement as she interacts with Jesus over the demon oppression of her daughter.
Against all odds, this woman kneels before Jesus, and demonstrates the foundation of how followers of Jesus can STAND in His presence forever. If last Sunday’s message showed how we sink in our traditions, this week we will stand upon the waves of humility with a Canaanite woman, and be encouraged and challenged by her example and the grace of our God.
See you Sunday at Wildwood in our 9:45 or 11:00 service as we are in part 4 of our “Sink or Stand” sermon series.