Are You The One?

Reading: Matthew 11; Proverbs 2 2 John, meanwhile, had been locked up in prison. When he got wind of what Jesus was doing, he sent his own disciples 3 to ask, “Are you the One we’ve been expecting, or are we still waiting?” 4 Jesus told them, “Go back and tell John what’s going on: 5 The blind see, The lame walk, Lepers are cleansed, The deaf hear, The dead are raised, The wretched of the earth learn that God is on their side.” (Matthew 11:2-5 MSG) Courageous John the Baptist had been thrown in prison for faithfully preaching the truth. Now, alone in the dark, he had questions, maybe even some doubts, about whether he had gotten it right. Was it worth it? Any chance he had given his all for the wrong cause? Jesus didn’t use his power to free John from the dungeon. Jesus didn’t even send flowers and a “Get Out Of Jail Free” card. Jesus replied, “Tell John that God’s work is being done, the neediest people are being helped, and the truth is still being proclaimed. That’s what matters to John. Tell him that and he’ll know.” Sometimes things don’t work out the way we hoped or expected. Sometimes, when we see how our situation develops, we can get discouraged and begin to have doubts. Sometimes the questions swirl around in our heads until we get dizzy and panicky. Sometimes we don’t know what to expect next, but we just hope it won’t hurt too much! When I have questions and doubts I can do what John did – go ask Jesus. Even if the answer he gives isn’t what I expected to hear, it’s what I need to hear. Prayer:

Father, Sometimes when I’m in a dark and difficult situation and can’t see my way through, the questions swirl around in my head and my heart – “Did I miss it? Will I get through this?” Help me to remember to take my questions and doubts to Jesus. Remind me and my friends reading this today that God’s work is being done, and that our part is to be obedient, not successful. Amen. 28 “Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. 29 Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. 30 Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” (Matthew 11:28-30 MSG)