My Bible study last night was from Luke 7:18 - 35. It starts out with John the Baptist sending his disciples to inquire if Jesus truly was the long-awaited Messiah. I was intrigued that someone like John could have doubts. He knew who Jesus was since he was in his mother's womb, and he would have doubts? I found it encouraging. You see, John was in prison. He had really angered the king, so I am sure he knew that he was never going to be a free man again. I am sure he was asking himself if he had really made a difference in his life, which he had devoted to serving God. I feel like that often, too. Am I really doing what God has intended for me? Have I somehow missed the mark? Does my life really make a difference.
I was pleased with Jesus' response: "Go back and report to John what you have seen and heard: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is preached to the poor." Vs 22. Jesus doesn't simply tell him, "Yes!" He tells him, "look at the facts." He tells us the same thing. When I am questioning God, he can tell me, "look at the facts." "See what I have done for you in the past. See what I am doing now. Look at the evidence all around." God is real. He is changing lives every day. The Bible tells us what has happened in the past, we can see His work all around us now, so we can just look at the evidence, and our worries, our fears, our uncertainties can disappear.
Then, Jesus takes the opportunity to address those on the sidelines who were listening, to answer any doubts they may have as well. He confirms John's call to ministry and his loyalty to God. Jesus makes a bigger lesson out of one man's doubts, validating the crowd's belief as well. We can do that too. When we have questions, and God reveals the answers to us, we can be confident that others are struggling with the same worries and questions. We can validate them with the help and the hope that God gives us during times of trial and doubt.
I am so glad that our great God is concerned with how we feel and helps us to look out for each other.
I was pleased with Jesus' response: "Go back and report to John what you have seen and heard: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is preached to the poor." Vs 22. Jesus doesn't simply tell him, "Yes!" He tells him, "look at the facts." He tells us the same thing. When I am questioning God, he can tell me, "look at the facts." "See what I have done for you in the past. See what I am doing now. Look at the evidence all around." God is real. He is changing lives every day. The Bible tells us what has happened in the past, we can see His work all around us now, so we can just look at the evidence, and our worries, our fears, our uncertainties can disappear.
Then, Jesus takes the opportunity to address those on the sidelines who were listening, to answer any doubts they may have as well. He confirms John's call to ministry and his loyalty to God. Jesus makes a bigger lesson out of one man's doubts, validating the crowd's belief as well. We can do that too. When we have questions, and God reveals the answers to us, we can be confident that others are struggling with the same worries and questions. We can validate them with the help and the hope that God gives us during times of trial and doubt.
I am so glad that our great God is concerned with how we feel and helps us to look out for each other.
