LUKE 7:17-35 A LIVING HOPE Sometimes in our lives we need to have events and teaching clarified because things have not, nor are not, what we expected. John did not doubt who Jesus was but his disciples needed some understanding of the Lord Jesus Christ he could not give them. He was not in a state of depression as to what he preached and practiced. He wasn't thinking what he had prophesied was wrong. But he was somewhat puzzled because the Lord had not taken the redemption of the nation farther. Perhaps he thought the Lord Jesus would have taken the nation back from the Romans by now. So, John's followers would not be left in doubt, the Lord continued His visible public ministry right before their eyes. After those disciples of John had seen what He was doing in and for the people of the nation, He then responded to the questions they asked.
It is not unusual for us to have doubts about why things are the way they are, or why events have not unfolded according to our preconceived expectations. It is a valuable exercise on our part to review what the scriptures teach and also go over again what we have observed God is doing or already has done. The work of the Lord is not some commercial enterprise that can be measured by how many people have professed to be saved and are baptized. The number of people attending the gatherings of the local church is not only the way to determine success. God is doing His work on His own way. There are "times of visitation" when the numbers being added to the kingdom of God seems to assure us of God's favor. Then there are times when a few of God's people who gather to pray for souls to be saved and saints to be built up in the faith, is the greatest possible work for God they can do.
In an ascending scale of value, the Lord Jesus described His work to the followers of John who had been eye-witnesses to the blessings He brought to the people. There was no armed rebellion, no trampling down of the Roman army be divine intervention and authority. That is how men expect things to be done because that is in the realm of their ability to win battles they think. He begins by describing things only God can do. Blind eyes now see the colors of creation, faces they have never seen, and evidence of God wherever they work. Cripples are leaping and walking because of the instantaneous healing power of the Lord. Strength and gladness have replaced weakness, pain and helplessness. Lepers who were shut out from society because of an incurable disease that afflicted them, are now cleansed and restored to their families and a place in the community. People who lived in a silent world without the sound of a bird, a child's cry, words of love and compassion or a song that was sung, are now listening and communicating without the need of years of therapy to enable them to enter fully into normal living. Even dead people were raised to life rather than enemies being put to death under the sword of righteous judgment those seeking a restored kingdom had expected. What John's disciples saw was above and beyond what they had expected of the coming Messiah. Death itself, the last great enemy of men, was subdued under the power of the One John had been the forerunner of. Then greater that all they had actually seen, was the Gospel being preached that changes the heart of people and turns the "from darkness to light, and the power of Satan unto God." A new nature and a new creation accompany those who respond to the preaching of the King.
The Lord's reply to John wasn't in the form of a rebuke but a clear explanation relating to the timing of the coming kingdom. There is a greater need to be met than a vindication of a promise to Israel, and that was that people should be fit subjects for that kingdom. John's baptism had that in view. John should not hesitate in his trust in the Lord and the work He was doing. It is perfectly sound reasoning to take time to consider what God is doing. Are people being changed within by what they hear preached? Are lives being changed outwardly? Is there reality being done by what is claimed as a work for God? How thankful we can be when we look back forty or fifty years to see what God has done, and see the reality in lives of people God changed by the power of the Gospel and guided in life by the indwelling Holy Spirit.
Testimony as to John and his work as the forerunner, came from the Lord as He spoke of John not being a simpering hot-house plant blown about by winds of popularity, but as a prophet and forerunner of the King. He prophesied and saw evidence of the King's authority in his own lifetime. John was no less a person then we are who look back on the accomplished work of redemption. But it is greater to see what has been already done and experience the blessing of that work, han to see the work as a blueprint and anticipate what it will be like in the future.
Those who criticize what others are doing for God are like little children who are never satisfied with the games they play. Sometimes they play happy games like weddings and other times they play sad games like funerals. There is no particular reason for that, only that they are never contented. The critics were like children who complained because John's disciples were sad, and now the disciples of Jesus were happy. Those who belong to Christ refuse to dance to the world's tune or to mourn at the world's disappointments. Wisdom from above is pure, peaceable and easy to be entreated of. When the voice of God is heard, wisdom obeys that command, whether to mourn over the unbelief of a nation ro to refuse to be crushed by the pressure to conform. Wisdom also rejoices over seeing God work in dark times, no matter what others around us may do or say.
It is not uncommon to be criticized when doing a work for God. It is important to realize, the value of what we know is good. If doubts arise don't dwell on them, look for some answers of peace. Doubts allowed to continue lead to sin, so instead see the evidence of grace.
When lives are changed and new life begins, there are things that are plain to see. The worldly life-style quickly grows dim, and we can observe reality. The outward changes are a reflection of life, that they Holy Spirit generates, New life in Christ is one lived by faith, there is a new road that person takes.
Some people may come and question you, as to why things are different now. By the words you say and the things you do, they learn you to a new King now bow. Old things that once you did are past, and new things are in your life. Trust in fleeting things don't last, now you live by faith not sight.
Our hope is in a living Person, not in some passing phase. Hope that has a real reason, produces from within us true praise To God who has given assurance, that everything is under control. A living hope has as its essence, salvation that has redeemed the soul.
Then hope is not simply wishful thinking without any real proof. Hope that makes us not ashamed is bringing to life words of truth. We who believe have experienced it, we live in hope each day. Accepted in Christ, in the heavenlies we sit in the new and living way.
We don't need to fear the future, no matter what it will bring. It is part of the evidence of a divine nature, in hope we pray and sing Of Him who loved us unto death, and now lives and is coming again. In His hand is held our life and breath, now we are alive in Him.
"Father, for this beautiful day, for the blessings of health and strength in mind and body, for meeting all our present and daily needs, for the sure hope we have in Thy promises and mercies that are daily ours, I give Thee my grateful thanks, in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen."