“SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT DOUBT DISAPPOINTMENT AND FAITH IN JESUS CHRIST"
NLT
Luke 7:22 Then he told John’s disciples, “Go back to John and tell him what you have seen and heard--the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised to life, and the Good News is being preached to the poor.
Luke 7:23 And tell him, ‘God blesses those who are not offended by me.’”
Some explanatory thoughts, application and a prayer:
1. John the Baptist was having a hard time while languishing in prison for having told to the truth to King Herod.
It had no doubt worn on him, and he had expected that Jesus would deliver not only him from prison, but would also deliver the nation itself from the oppression of the Roman Government. He was filled with doubt and disappointment.
2. There's nothing to be ashamed of or feel condemned for when we are dealing with doubt and disappointment. John actually did what brought relief to his situation, it's a good example for us to follow if we are in a similar situation.
3. Here's what he did, and here's what happened as a result.
(1) He asked God about the questions he had. Which were, "Are you the the Messiah, or should we look for another.
(2) Jesus answered His question, by showing Him, that yes indeed He was the Messiah, no need to look anywhere else.
(3) How Jesus answered His questions was by showing Him, through the Word of God, that He was the fulfillment of prophecy.
(4) The message was brought back to John, ( while still in prison ) and, there is no record that he had any further problems.
(5) The Bible tells us when we lack wisdom, we can ask God and He will give it to us. See James 1: 5-8
4. There was one other very important remedy that Jesus gave to us See Luke 7:23....‘God blesses those who are not offended by me.’” What does this mean? The term translated "offended" can also be rendered "come to ruin" or "trapped" So, this concluding statement by Jesus was especially relevant to the imprisoned John , saying in effect, "Although life will not always turn out as you expect, you are nevertheless blessed when you recognize that I truly am the Messiah"
In other words, John had temporarily had three things happen to him. (1) He had fallen victim to doubt and disappointment. (2) He had a temporary lapse it seems in his belief in, or understanding of the fact that Jesus was indeed the Messiah, the savior. (3) He also had become stuck if you will in his own expectations of what Jesus was supposed to be doing. And, Jesus was not performing according to John's self produced expectation.
5. To pull this all together. We can simply remain faithful and steadfast in our trust in the person of Jesus. And, by doing so, we will experience, in spite of our circumstances a "happiness" that comes from God. And, as to expectations, we ought to try and leave what is going to happen in the good hands of our Lord. All that He promises to do, He will do, and He will do it in His own way, and His own time, that's the story and truth that You will find all through the Scripture.
Paul says in Philippians 4:6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.
Philippians 4:7n and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
A prayer:
Father thank You that You do not think less of us when we fall into doubt, or get discouraged, or disappointed. That's not Your way. You do not let Your love change towards us, because we have changed. Thank You that You not only have the answers to our needs and questions, but, You specifically call us to come to You in these times and to ask for wisdom and guidance, just like John did. And, You promise to give us that wisdom and guidance, just like You did for John. And, thank You Lord for the simplicity, that life is to be lived with a single hearted view, belief in, trust in, and obedience to this fact. You are God. Help us to keep our eyes on You, no matter what may be happening to us. We freely admit, that this is easier said then done. But, by Your grace, power, love and mercy, it can be a reality in our lives.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
