the one?
I was reading Luke 7 this AM, and he shares this incredible question that is asked of Jesus: “are you the one to come, or should we expect someone else?“ So many in our culture ask this question today, whether conciously or unconciously, when they waver back and forth between belief and disbelief. In this story, we have one of those who really should have no doubts, expressing sincere doubt. Of all people, John the Baptist should recognize Jesus and not waver in his belief in Him as the Messiah. Yet, when he is imprisoned, the reality of the Kingdom of Jesus of Nazareth seems a dream. Jesus’ response back to him is to look for the evidence of the Kingdom among his works. It’s always been interesting to me that Jesus quotes Isaiah in his response, but leaves out one important part of the Isaiah passage; he does not quote as evidence of the Kingdom that “prisoners” are being set free. Why? Because John is in prison… but it doesn’t negate the presence of the Kingdom.
Here’s the lesson: the presence of the Kingdom is based on Jesus as the Messiah, not on our condition or experience! If we find ourselves in a place where we question the Kingdom’s presence, it does not mean that we should question the King.
Great insight – great post. Too many people are cheating themselves out of the peace only a relationship with Christ can bring because Satan has created this confusion in their thinking.