«And when John had heard in prison about the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples and said to Him, ‘Are You the Coming One, or do we look for another?’ » (Matthew 11:2, 3).
ALTHOUGH IT MAY SEEM STRANGE, the John that today’s verse mentions is the same who had once seen Jesus walking by and had said of Him, «Behold the Lamb of God» (John 1:36). And after having called Him «the Lamb of God,» he asks whether He is the Messiah?
By the time he asked that question, the Baptist had spent several months in prison. During that time, he had not heard that Jesus was trying to set him free. Instead, he had heard about His powerful teachings, His miracles and how His fame was spreading «throughout all Judea» (Luke 7:17).
The thing is that Jesus’s ministry, which is was so focused on acts of mercy, did not fit in at all with the message John himself had proclaimed. In fact, that message did not speak of mercy, but of judgment: «Every tree which does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire» (Matthew 3:10). «He who is coming after me will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire» (v. 11). Where was the fire? In other words, «What Jesus said and did—His sermons and His miracles—were not exactly what John had expected.»
What did the Lord say to John the Baptists messengers? He did not immediately reply to them. Instead, He continued working: «And that very hour He cured many of infirmities, afflictions, and evil spirits; and to many blind He gave sight. Jesus answered and said to them, ‘Go and tell John the things you have seen and heard’ » (Luke 7:21, 22).
In other words, «Tell John that Isaiah’s messianic prophecy is being fulfilled down to the last word.» In what sense? «The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord . . . has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives . . .» (Isaiah 61: l, NIV). Tell John that I do my work, «not with the clash of arms and the overturning of thrones and kingdoms, but through speaking to the hearts of men.»—The Desire of Ages, ch. 22, p. 217.
What can we learn from this? When you think God has abandoned you, or you wonder whether His promises will be fulfilled in your life or not, remember that God’s plans move forward, not according to «your agenda,» or mine, but according to His divine purposes. Also remember that later on you will understand what you do not understand right now. Most of all, remember His words to John the Baptist: «Blessed is anyone who does not stumble on account of me» (Luke 7:23, NIV).
Dear Jesus, I pray that You will accomplish Your purpose in my life, according to Your will; so that when doubts assail me, my faith will depend entirely on You.
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Taken from: Devotional Readings for Adults 2022
“GREAT IS OUR GOD!”
From: FERNANDO ZABALA
Collaborators: Xiomara Perdomo & Angelica Cuate
