Sunday June 17, 2007 | Terrance Rollerson
John's disciples told him about all these things. Calling two of them, he sent them to the Lord to ask, “Are you the one who was to come, or should we expect someone else?"
When the men came to Jesus, they said, “John the Baptist sent us to you to ask, 'Are you the one who was to come, or should we expect someone else?' “
At that very time Jesus cured many who had diseases, sicknesses and evil spirits, and gave sight to many who were blind. So he replied to the messengers, “Go back and report to John what you have seen and heard: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor. Blessed is anyone who does not stumble on account of me.”
In living a life of faith, it’s very important to allow Jesus to define how we see our life experiences. There are often moments in life when things do not turn out the way that we plan them to, or the way that we think things “should be.” And it's in these moments, that we have to look at the work of Jesus in our everyday lives, and trust that God is indeed present and bringing forth his Kingdom in and through us.
In living a life of faith, it’s very important to allow Jesus to define how we see our life experiences. There are often moments in life when things do turn out the way that we plan them to, or the way that we think things “should be.” And it’s in these moments, that we have to look at the work of Jesus in our everyday lives, and trust that God is indeed present and bringing forth his Kingdom in and through us.
In Luke 7:18-23, we see John the Baptist, the one who lead the way for Jesus, sending some of his disciples to verify whether or not Jesus was indeed the Messiah that Israel had been waiting for. From what John had heard, he was not convinced. Jesus used his everyday healings and miracles as an encouraging proof that he was indeed the Messiah. Even though things didn’t appear like John thought they would, Jesus assured him that God was still working on the scene. Jesus was reigning, even though it may not have immediately looked like it!
This passage also helps brings forth some important points:
When Jesus reigns, confusion is cleared.
Doubt from confusion can sometimes come up in any spiritually minded person’s life. Just like Jesus removed John’s confusion about his being the Messiah, Jesus can remove our doubt in various areas of our lives.
When Jesus reigns, confirmation is made.
Jesus confirmed to John the validity of his calling. In like manner, Jesus can use the situations of our lives to confirm to us our own gifting and/or callings.
When Jesus reigns, commendation is given.
Jesus honors the faithfulness of his people, as demonstrated by his blessing upon those who refuse offense at the Lord.
As we continue living faith in Jesus, we reign as He reigns in and through us.
How can Christians encourage each other to continue seeing the work of God in their lives,
especially when they are troubled? What are some unhelpful ways of encouragement that we
should watch out for? How do you usually respond when you experience feeling misunderstood by others? What are some ways that you believe that you may, at times, misunderstand others?