“Now when John in prison heard of the works of Christ, he sent word by his disciples, and said to Him, ‘Are You the expected One, or shall we look for someone else?'” (Matthew 11:2-3)
I’ve always been intrigued by the above story of John the Baptist. I mean, here is the greatest man who ever lived according to our Lord’s own testimony. (Matthew 11:11a) He points out, “Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” when Jesus comes to be baptized by him. (John 1:29) And yet later on this same John questions whether it was “God in his life.”
The Jews were looking for the Christ to show up with power and great glory and to deliver them from their enemies (the Romans). But Jesus didn’t come like that. He came without the pomp and circumstance. He came in a way that nobody expected. This threw John and caused the questions to arise in his heart.
And we can be thrown just like John, I’m convinced. And especially when things are tough and tight. “Is it really You, God, in my life? Or am I just off and that’s why I’m going through this?”
Two things come to mind here that I believe will help us when we have questions like this.
The first thing is: It isn’t a sign of spiritual weakness to have questions. (After all, John did!) In fact, having questions are a sign of spiritual of spiritual health. People who want nothing to do with God usually aren’t interested in finding out if they’re in His will.
The second thing that comes to mind is: God isn’t afraid of our questions and will answer them in a way that we’ll know it’s Him. What will convince me may not convince you and vice versa. God knows the “language” each of us understands and will speak to us in that “language.”
Jesus answered John’s questions, the Wycliffe Commentary says, by “[calling] attention to [His] works, which John would recognize as Messianic credentials.” (Matthew 11:4-5)
And I guess the bottom line of all is: Do you have a question for God? And maybe it has to do with whether or not He’s really working in your life. I don’t know. But have you spent time seeking the Lord for His answer as regards what’s happening?
Don’t forget that along with using the Scriptures and via the still, small voice of the Holy Spirit, God also speaks through other people. Ask Him your question and expect to hear from Him. His answer will both strengthen and help you to continue on.
(Messengers from John the Baptist picture above is in the public domain: click here. PD-US)
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