Monday, March 25, 2013 - Luke 7

Doubts

   The Apostle Thomas has always been dubbed "doubting Thomas" because of the story where he doubts that Jesus has risen from the dead.  This short section from Luke (7:18-35) displays another believer who needed some reinforcements for his faith.

   Having been imprisoned for speaking the truth, John the Baptist sends messengers to ask Jesus "Are you the one who was to come, or should we be expecting someone else?"

   John had earlier showed great faith in Jesus, declaring Him:  "the One whose sandals I am not worthy to untie."  But now, after languishing in a cell for months, he desires a word of encouragement from Jesus.

   There are those days, aren't there -- when we are at our wits end and just need a nod from God that we aren't placing our hopes in the wrong place?

   Jesus doesn't answer the question directly, but instead points John to promises being fulfilled:  "the blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is preached to the poor."

    Jesus calls John back to his roots -- back to the Word of God, where all these activities were predicted of the Messiah by the prophets of old.

    When we get discouraged, that's the best place for us to go too.  We should immerse ourselves in the "things" of God, get in-tune with Him mindset by filling our minds with His promises, and eventually God will reveal Himself and satisfy our longing heart.

   Doubts are sure to come, but God is faithful and eventually opens His palms for Thomas' fingers, declares to St. Peter that his denial is forgiven, encourages St. Paul to keep preaching the Word.  He'll do the same with us as we anchor our hopes on Him.

By the way:   looking for good reading material for days of doubting.  Try Tim Keller's, "The Reason for God" or Lee Strobel's "The Case for Christ."