Lesson from Matthew; Part 1

My last blog spoke of fighting doubts about the Christian faith. It certainly is worth the fight! God wants us to trust him, obey him, and love him. I believe we must continually seek God. Seek his face. Seek his will. Seek his love. Seek his presence.

We doubt-fighters have a famous teammate, found in Matthew 11. His name is John the Baptist.
In verse 3...While in prison, John sent his disciples to ask Jesus, "Are you the Messiah we've been expecting, or should we keep looking for someone else?"

This trips me out! Earlier, John declared that Jesus was the Lamb of God! He yelled it. I believe he was sure of it because God, the Father had revealed it to him. So how could he doubt.

Then, I see my spiritual reflection in the mirror. After God has saved me. Baptized me with his Holy Spirit. Healed me. Allowed me to know his sweet presence. Fought spiritual battles for me. Given me joy! Used me to witness for him. I still sometimes fight doubts. How can it be?!

As we look at verse 4, Jesus utters these words to John's disciples. This is a message to John. He may have texted him if it were our day. "...tell him--the blind see, the lame walk, those with leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised to life, and the Good News is being preached to the poor."

I believe John received these words prayerfully. With his knowledge of the Old Testament, John had to know this was the affirmation he sought. Maybe he was afraid in that prison and he needed these words to encourage his withering faith.

Related lessons from Matthew 11...
Verse 19: But wisdom is shown to be right by its results.
Verse 20: We need to repent and turn to God. (God's message that John preached.)
Verse 25...revealed these thing to the childlike
Verse 28: Jesus said, "Come to me, all of you who weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest." (Hopefully, Jesus' words gave John rest, because he would never leave that prison.)
Verse 29: Jesus said, "I am humble and gentle in soul." (As we seek God, I charge us to remember this.)

GLORY be to God!!! He has made us a little lower than the angels! He has put us in charge of all creation. O Lord, our Lord, your majestic name fills the earth! (Psalm 8)