This is the one about whom it is written, 'BEHOLD, I SEND MY MESSENGER AHEAD OF YOU, WHO WILL PREPARE YOUR WAY BEFORE YOU.' (Luke 7:27 NASB)Jesus is so nice. I have said that so many times, but this is one more example of it. John, in prison and facing certain execution, had been looking back on his life, likely questioning everything, including the way he had spent his few short years of wilderness ministry. He had sent two of his faithful disciples to confirm that Jesus was the Messiah.
The disciples didn't wait for a quiet moment. Instead, they asked Him in the presence of a crowd. "Are you the Messiah?" It turned out that the crowd was full of people who had been baptized by John. They respected John and loved him for the impact he had on their lives. Jesus could have easily destroyed that with His reply, but He didn't. In fact, instead of denigrating John, he pointed out his important role in the Kingdom of God.
Jesus quoted from the prophet Malachi. He was saying, "John is the one God sent to prepare the way for Me." With that, He reminded them that John had referred to Jesus as the Lamb of God that takes away the sins of the world. He confirmed for everyone that John had known Who Jesus was, and He also confirmed that He know who John was. What could have seemed a break in ministry between the two leaders turned out to be a moment to confirm unity instead.
Words are very powerful. How do we use our words? Are they used to build up those who are struggling or used as an opportunity to tear them down? Perhaps we could learn from the example of Jesus. When we have the chance to say something, let's wrap those words in kindness and unity, to build up the body of Christ.
Today, pray that we will encourage and lift up those who are struggling and that our words will be used to bring healing to those who are full of questions, especially those we love the most.
------
Here's the link to last might's post: http://leannahollis.blogspot.com/2014/05/squashed-nostrils-and-breath-of-god.html
No comments:
Post a Comment