The Question

Sunday, January 20, 2013
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Listen while you read: "Softly And Tenderly Jesus Is Calling"1 (Lyrics)

Luke 7:19,22 – Summoning two of his disciples, John sent them to the Lord, saying, "Are You the Expected One, or do we look for someone else?" And [Jesus] answered and said to them, "Go and report to John what you have seen and heard: the blind receive sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, the poor have the gospel preached to them." (NASB)

I feel sorry for John the Baptist at this time in his life. He was an outdoors man who spent most of his life in the wilderness, in bright, open spaces, with no boundaries. When Herod arrested him, the cruel king didn't have to torture the prophet: keeping him confined in a dark dungeon was enough to diminish John's spirit.

At some point during his imprisonment, John began to doubt who Jesus really was. He was at a breaking point in his life and must have questioned everything that he knew or believed. It was a dark night for his anguished soul, and it must have caused him a great deal of emotional, spiritual, and psychological distress.

When John's disciples asked Jesus to answer the prophet's agonizing question, Christ vanquished John's doubts. All of the signs are evident that Jesus is the chosen Messiah. John need not fear that he had made a mistake in calling Jesus the "Lamb of God". When the answer came back to the Baptist, it must have reassured him. Even though he was trapped and would never see the light of day again, John knew in his heart that the Christ had at last come to save God's people.

We all go through times of doubt and despair. We all have moments when we wonder whether our beliefs are true or our faith is misguided. However, during those spiritual conflicts and serious doubts, Jesus speaks quietly to our souls and reassures us that He is with us, even to the end of our days.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, You know us completely and are totally aware of our circumstances. Sometimes, we doubt Your power; sometimes, we question Your existence. Help us, during those low spiritual moments, to wait upon Your presence and to listen to Your quiet voice of assurance. In Your holy name, we humbly pray. Amen.

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About the author:

John Stuart <traqair@aol.com>
Knoxville, Tennessee, USA

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1 Comment

  • PresbyCan Feedback says:

    Thanks for that insight. Once again spot-on John.


    Be blessed today & thanks again for your email.


    Always appropriate and timely John. Another good one. Bless you.


    Good morning, John: Everyday our Lord allows tests, so we learn to wait upon Him so He can renew us and our faith in Him!
    Blessings on you and yours.


    John, this is very good and thank you for sharing with us today. I always enjoy when you share with us.
    May God continue to guide and direct you in your ministry.


    How horrible it must have been for John to have been incarcerated. How wonderful that Jesus’ reply comforted him, and all who read your devotional today.
    Thank you for writing. Blessings.


    Hi John,
    Thank you for another meaningful devotional. You have a way of taking a Bible passage and making it relevant to things I am experiencing in my life. I am never surprised to see your name as the author of a well written devotional. Thank you for sharing your gift with so many.


    John,
    Thank you for this. I have been out of work now for a few months but am now starting to get some interviews as the economy improves.
    I also wrote a piece on the dark night of the soul to share with a local group.
    I am going to send yours on as well as its words will hit home with a lot of people.
    Thanks again & God bless,
    (Texas)


    Thank you John. Blessings.


    Good Evening Rev. Stuart:
    I loved this message of assurance from Jesus after being asked “Are You the Expected One, or do we look for someone else?”
    Jesus Replies –“Go and report to John what you have seen and heard: the blind receive sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, the poor have the gospel preached to them.”
    How beautiful He described His marvelous miracles here on earth and how He assured John and all who will open their hearts to Him that He is indeed the Son of The Living God, The Son who gave His life that we may live.
    Thank you for a beautiful message of assurance and power.

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