Advent 3:7. 21 December 2013

image by cristiano galbiati

by Pastor Eric Thompson

As they went away, Jesus began to speak to the crowds concerning John: "What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind? What then did you go out to see? A man dressed in soft clothing? Behold, those who wear soft clothing are in kings' houses.What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. This is he of whom it is written,

"'Behold, I send my messenger before your face,
who will prepare your way before you.'

Truly, I say to you, among those born of women there has arisen no one greater than John the Baptist. Yet the one who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven has suffered violence, and the violent take it by force. For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John, and if you are willing to accept it, he is Elijah who is to come. He who has ears to hear, let him hear.

Matthew 11:7-15, ESV

Doubt. Reprised.

Jesus might be expected to rebuke John the Baptist for his expression of doubt. It is indeed a truism of derogatory criticism that it nearly always comes from the detached. Those in yesterday's post who attacked the author who had the audacity to acknowledge his struggles did so from a high holy place of puffed up self-righteousness. Jesus forever abandoned this kind of detachment with the Word became flesh and dwelt among us. He is so close to our struggles, whatever they might be, that he knows our griefs and carries our sorrows. He is not untouched by the "feelings of our infirmities."

He didn't rebuke John, in fact, he affirmed him in case anyone present thought they might smear John's name for his weakness. He doesn't rebuke Mary who can't bring herself to understand why he let her brother Lazarus die. He doesn't rebuke Thomas for demanding to touch the wounds before he'll believe in his resurrection (we do that, forever branding him "Doubting Thomas").

Long waiting, unfulfilled hopes, trials, and adversity can cause us to question what we once believed. Sometimes this is helpful--we may have believed something untrue, like the idea that God is obligated to fulfill all of our longings. At other times the Enemy may seize upon an opportunity to whisper doubt into our hearts. When this happens, let us do as John did, having faith enough to direct our questions to the object of our hope. Let him speak to our doubts. He is not afraid of our questions. When we hear of someone struggling with doubt let us respond as Jesus did--by drawing near to love rather than away to launch an attack.

Take some time to consider the following. Perhaps it would be helpful to record your responses in a journal.

Do you feel like you can be honest with God? Has long waiting or hardship caused you to wonder whether his promises are really coming to reality? Take your voice or your pen & journal and tell him about it. It's not like he doesn't already know!

Here is a prayer in response to today's text. You can pray this as your own or use it as a prompt for a spontaneous prayer.

Lord God, there is nothing about us you do not know, including the fact that we don't experience 1000 years as one day like you do. Time here moves slowly for those who wait. Our minds don't see all as does yours. We have an active enemy who sows seeds of doubt and discouragement. You are not ignorant of any of this, nor could you ever feel threatened by our questions. You are the rock where we find an anchor, shelter, security, and strength. We glorify you because you are God, high above the storm yet wearing our skin.