11/18/2022
Are we blessed in the relationship we have with Jesus Christ? When John the Baptist sent his disciples to ask Jesus whether He was the Messiah that they had been waiting for, Jesus told them to recount for John all the miracles He had performed, and that He preached the good news, but then He said something quite different… He told them to tell John that those who were not offended by who He was would be blessed.
“And blessed is the one who is not offended by me.””
Luke 7:23 ESV
Are we embarrassed by our faith, or disappointed by it? When the opportunity arises to tell someone that Jesus Christ is our savior, and the Son of God, do we remain silent in our belief because it is too hard to explain how we, as believers, can still face temptations, or encounter hardships in life? Are we offended by Jesus, and embarrassed by what others do in His name? If any of these things is true of us then we have missed an amazing blessing. The world tells us that if there was a true God none of these things would happen, but we reach beyond the trials and pitfalls set for us.
“… We are treated as impostors, and yet are true; as unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and behold, we live; as punished, and yet not killed; as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, yet possessing everything.”
2 Corinthians 6:8-10 ESV
Last week Pastor Daniel Bell of Nashville Tennessee went to be with the Lord. In just a couple of months he had gone from a vibrant middle aged preacher of the gospel to his deathbed. He had been a dedicated believer, and lifelong pursuer of his faith in Jesus Christ, but now, after a short couple of months he had died… why? Perhaps it is found in his legacy; the many souls he saved, and the certainty of his faith that he has left behind as a gift for them, and encouragement to us all.
“Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life.”
John 5:24 ESV
A few weeks ago Pastor Ian Sears lost his sister to cancer. In May she was alive and well, but in October she succumbed to that terrible disease. She was a believer, and her brother an amazing man of God, so many will ask the question… why? Perhaps it was so that many could witness this family’s faith and see the love that continues on… that abides in them.
“Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends...”
1 Corinthians 13:7-8 ESV
These deaths, and many others like them can make it hard for us who are seeking righteousness, and a relationship with God and Jesus Christ not to become offended, or at very least disappointed in our faith, but there is much more to believing than simply living and dying. There is more to faith than being at peace, or suffering, and much more to being righteous than being tempted, or shielded from temptation. All of these things, the easy and hard, the good and bad, the pain and joyful bliss, are meant to bring us closer to the Father, and His Son… our Redeemer. Our trials in life strengthen us, and resisting the doubt, enduring the pain, or leaning on the Lord in our sad times, are all meant to embolden our righteousness and engrain our us in our resolve to follow Jesus. In these there is blessing… the peace of Christ, and the promised joy of eternity with our Heavenly Father.
“And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen.”
1 Peter 5:10-11 ESV
So we read this message of blessing that Jesus sent to John, and it sounds more like another beatitude than an answer to the question John had asked, but let’s use this promise of a blessing to lift us up in those times when we find ourselves challenged by life. Let’s refuse to be offended, but see the blessing there for us, and those around us. Let’s face our trials and believe, let’s wait on the Lord and rebuff doubt. If we do this, and be witnesses to His glory then we can receive the promised blessing… for us, our families, and all those who see the strength of our walk of faith.
Prayer:
Father, thank you for your many promises, but today we thank you especially for the blessing you promised us if we are not offended by your Son Jesus. Keep us firm in our faith, and in our suffering pour out your mercy and grace over us; strengthen us in our difficult times. Comfort us in the agony of mourning. When we tend our clothes, and pour ashes over our heads we pray that you cloth us in fresh garments, and wash the ash from us. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you our God who never abandons us, and works all things for good to those who love you. Help us to love you, and help us to overcome our unbelief. Praised be your name for the confidence we have in you, and the joy we find woven throughout our faith. Merciful and full of grace are you, and your Son Jesus. Wash us clean in His blood Lord, and cleanse us of our sins. Transform us into the image of Christ, and remove any feeling of doubt or offense we might entertain in our suffering and sinfulness. In each of our challenges open our hearts as we search for your presence there. With every tear we shed let us feel your hand as it wipes it from our cheek, and dries our eyes. Judge us Father, not for who we are, but who we are in Christ. Call us worthy, and bless us with eternity in your presence, loving you, and taking no offense in Christ.
“And Jesus said to him, “‘If you can’! All things are possible for one who believes.” Immediately the father of the child cried out and said, “I believe; help my unbelief!””
Mark 9:23-24 ESV
Rich Forbes