I am grateful that You understand my limitations, Father. I feel that I am often repetitive in my prayers to You. But You understand. You know my heart regardless.

Luke 7:18-23 (<<click to read the passage)

Doubt. Don’t we all doubt at some point in time? For that matter, we probably have doubts on a fairly regular basis. Usually, we don’t bat an eye about our doubts but when someone doubts us? Now that’s a whole different story! That is a sure way for someone to get our dander up and ready to fight, don’t you think? We don’t like others questioning our motives or actions.

So, to quote the key phrase in Charles Sheldon’s, In His Steps, “What would Jesus do?”

Today’s passage deals with John the Baptist’s questions to Jesus. Matthew’s telling of this same incident (Matthew 11:1-19) makes it clear that John is already in prison. He gave his all in completing the task given to him by God, in being the forerunner of the Messiah. God enabled him to stand strong and to not be swayed by any man, regardless of their power and position. And because of the stance he took, he found himself in the clutches of Herod Antipas, the ruler of Galilee.

He had to have known that his days were numbered and wanting to assure himself that he had completed his task, he sent two of his disciples to ask Jesus, “Are you the Messiah we’ve been expecting, or should we keep looking for someone else?” v19

Doubt. He was faithful and soon his life would be forfeit…had it been worth it?

Did Jesus bristle at the question? Did He get His dander up? Did His anger flare and did He launch into defending Himself? Nope…He didn’t even flinch…not even a little.

He said to them,

“Go back to John and tell him what you have seen and heard – the blind see, the lame walk, those with leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised to life, and the Good News is being preached to the poor.” And he added, “God blesses those who do not fall away because of me.” vs22-23

In essence? “Rest assured John. Your labors have not been in vain. See? The things the Messiah was to accomplish, I have accomplished. Oh, and one more thing, hang in there, don’t give up, God’s blessing is just around the bend.”-

There should be no guilt in asking questions, even when they are tinged with doubt. We serve a mighty God. My Life Application Study Bible has this to say,

“God can handle our doubts, and he welcomes our questions. Do you have questions about Jesus – about who he is or what he expects of you? Admit them to yourself and to God, and begin looking for answers. Only as you face your doubts honestly can you begin to resolve them.”

Amen!

Mar 3rd, 2020, Tues, 12:37 pm