SUPER. NATURAL III

                                                                             Luke 7:18-23

                                  Are you the Messiah we have been expecting,
                                  or should we keep looking for someone else? (vs. 19) 

That was the question John the Baptist wanted to ask Jesus.  He sent two of his disciples to inquire of the Lord.  Yesterday we read that John was in prison for speaking against Herod, (See yesterday’s Devotional.)  He was confused about the reports he received about Jesus.  John’s questions were natural.  Jesus wasn’t condemning, speaking against Roman abuse or “bringing God’s wrath” (3:7).

There is Danger of following a dream that is only a dream.  Had John misunderstood what he was called to do?  He gave his life in preparing the Way, had it been in vain?  Was he only following a dream?

John had expected a military take over!  Judgment had not come!

Jesus answered: Go back and report to John what you hear and see.  The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and good news is preached to the poor.  (Note First Devotional and read again Isaiah 35:3-5.)

John, “you are not following just a dream.  You are following me.”  Jesus was the only person who could ever demand, without qualification and condition, to be judged not by what he said, but what he did. 

Jesus said, after John’s disciple left, I tell you, of all who ever lived, none is greater than John.  Yet even the least person in the Kingdom of God is greater than he is! (vs. 28) That includes you and me.  How is that possible?  They, (we) have heard and have a clearer knowledge of the purpose of Jesus’ death and resurrection.  John was the last to function as an Old Testament Prophet in preparing people for the coming of the Messiah.  Jesus was contrasting life before his coming with the fullness of life in Christ’s Kingdom lead by the presence and power of the Holy Spirit, which he promised to send after he left this earth and returned to God the Father.  

Today, Jesus says:  Look at what I can do for you.   See what I have done for others.   

What Jesus did in Galilee he still does today.  Dr. Springs in Denver, Colorado said:  “I can heal no one.     I have studied and learned the skills of being a surgeon.  All I can do is identify and remove a tumor or repair a torn organ.  God does the healing.  God gave us humans, curiosity and desire of finding plants and minerals that may lead to healing.  We crush and blend them, but God is the One who gives wisdom

I can help a patient find a specialist who can remove cloudy eye lenses and replace them other lenses, resulting in people being able to see.”  Wherever Dr. Springs does surgery, he does in the name of and gives to glory to Jesus for the privilege of “Demonstrating God’s Healing Love to all, especially the poor.”

Question:  How did John receive information about Jesus?  Why could he not get if first hand?   What six things characterize Jesus’ ministry?  How would that answer John’s question?  (Isaiah 35:3-5)

Prayer:  Thank you God, for the Good News awaiting me today and always.  Thank you for your grace and mercy which you promised, in my life, when I experience disappointments or fear that hinder my journey toward your kingdom.  Thank you for using me as a living oracle of Good News for all living in darkness and crying in despair.