Choose Not to be Offended

"Blessed is he who is not offended in Me." Matthew 11:6

John the Baptist while in prison (remember that) sent word to Jesus asking if He was really the Messiah or should he look for another.

Jesus doesn't rebuke him, intimidate him or return any hint of disgust. He simply sends his disciples back with confirmation that all he's been hearing and the miracles He's performed as evidence of His power are real and true. Then He speaks an interesting blessing over John, and all of us like John who are human flesh and find ourselves in a place of doubt about what's going on in our lives or where God has us at certain times. Jesus says, blessed are you if you are not offended in Me, or in My will for you or My plan as it's being fulfilled on this earth.

John, the very forerunner of Christ who had seen and heard SO much, whom God had called from birth to prepare the way for the Lord, who pointed Jesus out in the crowd and said, "Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world" and stood with Him in the baptismal river and watched the Holy Spirit like a dove fall on Him as the very voice of God spoke, "this is my Son in whom I am very pleased." Yes, this same John, now finds himself in a place of suffering, confusion and doubt.

Suffering will come. It's okay to be confused. It's okay to doubt. Just don't stay there. And don't ever let it keep you away from the Throne Room. Pour your heart out to God. He is close to the brokenhearted (Psalm 34:18), He hears our cries (Psalm 34:15) and He sees each tear that falls (2 Kings 20:5). The answers will come. The doubt will vanish. And God will sing over you His song of deliverance (Psalm 32:7) if you open up your ears to hear and wait until He answers.

Then...look at what happens. If you read my last post, it was about being the light of the world and how God sets His candles on a stand not under a bowl so that their good deeds will be seen by men and they will glorify the Father (Matthew 5:14-16). In Matthew 11, verse 7 it says, "As John's disciples were leaving, Jesus began to speak to the crowd about John...drop down to verse 11. "I tell you the truth: Among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist." WHAT??? This guy that just questioned if Jesus was even the Messiah??? Yep! There's Jesus...lifting up His brother; His candle. Speaking words of life that reach even to you and me...for He continues, "yet he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he."

Now that's a whole nother lesson!