“Go your way, and tell John (the Baptist) what things ye have seen and heard; how that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, to the poor the gospel is preached. And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me.” Luke 7:22-23
How would you feel if you honored God all your life, answered His call into a strange ministry, sacrificed your future, abandoned any personal life you might have had, and did all that was required of you only to find yourself in prison. You had no hearing, had no idea how long you would be held, or if you would be to executed! Would you feel abandoned by your God? Would you begin to doubt yourself? Think of the thoughts racing through your mind – “Where did I go wrong? What did I do wrong? I know I did what I was told! Was Jesus the blasphemer that the religious leaders called him? Maybe Jesus isn’t the One?” Thoughts of offense start taking over. This was John the Baptist.
He was experiencing a new kind of spiritual warfare he hadn’t yet encountered, and he instructed two of his own disciples to go to Jesus and ask Him, “…Are You the One who should come, or should we look for another?” (Luke 7:20) Yes, John had doubts.
The religious leaders and King Herod, however, were filled with something else, something much more sinister than the simple doubts that we all have from time to time. No, they were filled with unbelief. Unbelief is willful denial of Truth! Unbelief involves a decision not to believe.
The truth is that the Sanhedrin, and Herod had too much to lose. John the Baptist preached against the evils of them both. He called the Pharisees vipers. He called Herod an adulterer and a murderer.
When John’s disciples returned from talking with Jesus, they told John what they had seen, that “…the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and to the poor the gospel is preached.” (Luke 7:22) Jesus gave them the very scriptures that shaped and defined John’s life and ministry. His doubts evaporated. He had fulfilled his purpose and his calling. John was ready to go leaving the paths straight and repentant Israel was prepared to meet the promised Messiah!
There is a difference between doubt and unbelief. Both wrong, but doubt is easily corrected by the Word of God, yet, those who are in unbelief aren’t even phased by the Word of God. We not only have the Word of God to light our path, we also have the Author of the Word living in us 24/7/365 to counsel, guide, teach us and show us things to come! Let go of the doubts that our circumstances are promulgating and let the Word of God author your next move!
With Love,
Pastor Tom
Kingdom Business is Eternal, as are the rewards that come from God. If this ministry has been a blessing to you, please consider partnering with us in prayer, as the Lord leads you, or in financial support. Please visit our website at www.testamentoflove.org to learn more about this ministry! Luke 6:38