Are You There, God?
LENT 2022 | DAY 13
Matthew 11 (NIV)
(Teo Kheng Hwa, Assistant Pastoral Care Zone 1 Leader, Small Group Ministry)
READ:
Matthew 11:1-6, 11 (NIV)
OBSERVE:
John the Baptist, the messenger sent ahead of Jesus to prepare the way before Jesus (Mal. 3:1), was in prison. John had been saying to Herod that it was not lawful for him to take Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife, as his wife (Matt 14:3-4). John spoke the truth and was put in prison. He was expecting Jesus to ‘set him free’ from prison. But help and release never came! John, who knew his calling from birth was now possibly disillusioned and confused.
John sent his disciples 3 to ask Jesus, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?” I remember John in Matthew 3:13-17. He recognised Jesus as the Man of God, refused to baptise Him initially, and he heard God the Father say in Matthew 3:17, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.”
Although Jesus did not reply to John’s questions directly, HE gently comforted John’s heart. 5 The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor. Jesus pointed John to Isaiah’s prophecies in Isaiah 35:5-10. Jesus was doing exactly what Isaiah prophesied.
Then Jesus assured John in verse 6, “Blessed is anyone who does not stumble on account of me.” Jesus also acknowledged and lovingly commended the obedience and faithfulness of John in Matthew 11:11.
APPLY:
John was doing God’s work but landed in prison and was later beheaded (Matthew 14:1-12). The verses today taught me that following Jesus is not easy, even when I do the right thing. I need to be prepared that there may come a time when I may struggle with my faith, and have doubts about Jesus.
However, when I feel disillusioned, confused and even doubt God, I can run to our loving heavenly Father with my questions and find comfort and strength in His Word and His promises for my situation. I must allow God to answer me in HIS way. I am sure God will speak personally to my heart and give me the assurance and peace I need because He loves me.
My circumstance may or may not change but I am sure my unchanging and faithful God will strengthen my faith and encourage me, just as HE did for John.
DO:
When I am disillusioned and confused about my situations and about God’s plan and purpose, I can run to Him with my questions sincerely. I can confess my unbelief, ask God to help me believe, and to trust in His love for me, His faithfulness, and His good character.
PRAY:
Abba Father, I am thankful that I can always run to You when I doubt, and when I am confused about You and Your purposes in my tough situations. Help me to find assurance and peace in Your Word, and strength from You to go through the trial. Thank You for Your love and Your patience to me, and for gently answering my confusion and doubts in a personal way. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
