The crisis of circumstance

Matthew 11:1-6 / Luke 7:18-23…

John the Baptist saw more signs than anyone ever. He had been prophesied as being the herald to the Messiah (Isaiah 40:3 / Malachi 3:1, 4:5-6). He knew it (John 1:23), as did his parents (Luke 1:17, 76) and Jesus (Luke 7:27). He was filled with the Holy Spirit (Luke 1:15), leaping in his mother’s womb at the presence of Jesus (Luke 1:41). John heard directly from the Almighty (Luke 1:80, 3:2 / John 1:6). He knew his role (John 3:26-30). He knew the role of the Messiah (Luke 3:16). He had humbled himself before Jesus (Matthew 3:14). God told John what the sign of the Messiah would be (John 1:33-34), and he heard God declare Jesus to be His Son (Mark 1:11). John proclaimed Jesus to the multitudes (John 1:29, 36).

All this, but by now he had been in prison for perhaps as much as two years, and had obviously become depressed. Even the greatest of the saints can experience doubt. John’s career had come to an end, and he was wondering if he had understood Jesus rightly. Jesus doesn’t speak to his emotions (and John was family), He sends John back to the Scriptures (Isaiah 35:5-6). Jesus provided reassurance, but notice that this would be faith in the report of others. Jesus was tender, but truthful: John, you’ve done your job, the king has come, and the kingdom has been inaugurated.

God sometimes doesn’t meet our expectations, but we are blessed when we seek Him further instead of draw away in offense. We often are tempted to stumble over God’s providence, but even when we can’t trace His hand we can trust His heart. Sometimes our faith fizzles out. Instead of looking inward (at our lack or our doubt), or outward (at our circumstances or at others), we look upward (at our God and Savior).

The guilt we feel about our doubt is not something that we have to sit under until we outrun it through our good works and obedience. Instead, guilt over sin, doubt and despair are vehicles that drive us to the cross where we see the culmination of Jesus’ obedience for us. Jesus puts the gospel of grace and His own person and work in focus. When we drop the football, remember, Jesus has already scored the winning touchdown.

“Living For Today With An Eye For Tomorrow”©