Today's Daily Bread
It’s perfectly natural for fear and doubt to creep into our minds
at times. “What if heaven isn’t real after all?” “Is Jesus the only way
to God?” “Will it matter in the end how I lived my life?” Questions like
these should not be given quick or trite responses.
John the Baptist, whom Jesus called the greatest of the prophets
(Luke 7:28), had questions shortly before his execution (v.19). He
wanted to know for sure that Jesus was the Messiah and that his own
ministry had therefore been valid.
Jesus’ response is a comforting model for us to use. Instead of
discounting the doubt or criticizing John, Jesus pointed to the miracles
He was doing. As eyewitnesses, John’s disciples could return with vivid
assurances for their mentor. But He did more—He used words and phrases
(v.22) drawn from Isaiah’s prophecies of the coming Messiah (Isa.
35:4-6; 61:1), which were certain to be familiar to John.
Then, turning to the crowd, Jesus praised John (Luke 7:24-28),
removing any doubt that He was offended by John’s need for reassurance
after all he had seen (Matt. 3:13-17).
Questioning and doubting, both understandable human responses, are
opportunities to remind, reassure, and comfort those who are shaken by
uncertainty.
When my poor soul in doubt is cast
And darkness hides the Savior’s face,
His love and truth still hold me fast
For He will keep me by His grace. —D. De Haan
And darkness hides the Savior’s face,
His love and truth still hold me fast
For He will keep me by His grace. —D. De Haan
Reassurance comes as we doubt our doubts
and believe our beliefs.
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