Fall is my favorite time of the year. I
love the sights of colorful leaves, the smell of the smoke arising from
fireplaces that are holding off the seasonal chill, and of course the tastes of
the cider and pumpkin pie. Now living in a retirement community my colorful leaves
are quickly dispatched by the grounds crew. I have no fireplace. Cider and pumpkin
pie are carefully rationed to guard against the battle of the bulge! Coupled
with the pleasant aspects of fall are other thoughts. Anniversaries surface of
past events. The tragic shootings in October 2006, of Amish children at Nickel
Mines School come to mind. The deaths of my Mother in November and my Father in
December percolate to the forefront of my memories. The unpleasantries of past memories
can shroud the joys of fall much like the present autumn chill tempers the
memories of hot summer days.
So too much of the past can be nullified
by present realities. In that process, things of the past that should be a
comfort to us are often lost. Examining the life of John the Baptist, it
appears he went through a period when the realities of his past dimmed in the
face of his current situation. John’s earlier ministry was exciting. He had
been part of a revival in Israel where people came into the wilderness of Judea
to hear his message, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matthew
3:2). He had seen masses of people respond to the message, humbling themselves
in a baptism of repentance and confessing their sin (3:5-6). He saw people
produce works of repentance as people were challenged to undergo a cultural
transformation (Luke 3:7-18). He also had the privilege of recognizing and
announcing that Jesus was, “The Lamb of who takes away the sin of the world,”
and adding that Jesus was the Son of God (John 1:29, 34). John was so committed
to who Jesus was and what he would do that he influenced two of his disciples
to follow the one he announced (1:37). John was not ministering to gain a
personal following, but to have people follow Jesus. His ministry was one of
humility as he pointed people to Jesus saying, “He must increase, and I must
decrease” (3:26-30) – a comment worth remembering.
One person in the audience of that day did
not appreciate John the Baptist’s ministry or message of repentance. King Herod
the tetrarch despised having his evils brought under the scrutiny of the
message of repentance. John the truth speaker was rejected and imprisoned by
him (Luke 3:19-20). Now all John had experienced and passionately preached was
chilled by the doubt generated by his present realities. Doubts like the cold
drafts from autumn winds seeping into a house, filtered into John’s soul.
Matthew records that John sent his disciples to Jesus to confirm his former
opinion and message about Jesus (11:1-3). In essence he is asking, “Why am I in
prison if you are indeed the Messiah I have been announcing? You are doing
miracles. Do one for me and get me out of this prison!” Jesus answers his
doubts with revelation. He tells John’s disciples to report to John what “you
hear and see” (11:4). Then Jesus quotes Scripture that confirms His Messianic
credentials from Isaiah (29:18; 35:5-6). In the cold day of doubting, he needed
to be warmed by reflecting upon what God had already revealed. What an
encouragement to see that Jesus did not lecture a doubter for his doubts, but
spoke truth that he needed. This reassured him in his prison experience.
Jesus shared with the multitude what he
thought about John’s greatness, as well as the value and the humility of his
ministry (Matthew 11:7-11). Christ’s opinion of us is not based upon our
present circumstances. His opinion is based upon what he sees and knows about our
ministry and heart attitude. Later of course, John was beheaded by the cowardly
Herod, who was forever haunted by the humble spokesman that prepared the way
for the Lord (14:1-12). Christ’s approval is no guarantee of human acceptance.
What current reality is causing you some
doubts about Jesus’ person or His love for you? Possibly you are in some sort
of “prison” in your personal world. Perhaps unjust criticisms are coming your
way from those who once supported you. Maybe relationships are frayed that were
once warm and beneficial. Maybe you have prayed and expected deliverance from
the “prison” you endure. You may think you served Christ and certainly do not
deserve this kind of treatment. In those times perhaps it is time to turn to
Scripture and recall the comforting assurances God has given in the past that
will strengthen you in your current circumstances.
There are abundant encouragements that can
support us in the Psalms. As I reflect on the 500th anniversary of
the Reformation, I recall Martin Luther’s words about Psalm 118, “It is nearest
my heart and I have a familiar right to call it mine. It has saved me from many
dangers.” Before he was put on trial for his beliefs at Worms he quoted verse
6, “The Lord is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me?” When you
feel the cold blast of doubt enter your soul, perhaps reflecting upon God’s
revelation will warm your heart just as it did for John the Baptist and Martin
Luther. Perspective is often adjusted by reflection upon divine revelation.
