When John, who was in prison, heard about the deeds of the Messiah, he sent his disciples to ask him, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?” Matthew 11:2-3 NIV
John was a fierce and bold preacher. He could confront anyone with the truth of God’s word. He went about his ministry without fear or favor. However, a time came during the course of his ministry assignment, that situations led to his being incarcerated in prison. At this time, he kept hearing of all the wonderful and miraculous works of Jesus. Jesus knew him personally and John would have thought that Jesus would come to defend and possibly facilitate his release, but alas, he didn’t find it so. At this point, he began to doubt. His faith began to shake…he began to question who Jesus was. He thought Jesus should have come to set him free; He had the power to do so. But he didn’t find it so, hence he was dissappointed. Weariness of life had set in because of the challenges of life and he was already taking an offence against Jesus.
Good enough, Jesus was able to discern that John was weary in Spirit and needed help. He could pick this from the message that John sent his own disciples. Jesus sent a message of hope back with the aim to clear his doubts, plus the assuring words of comfort and strength.
In the journey of life, we get to some points where questions set it; when doubts fly around and you wonder which route God is taking you through. You wonder why and how things turned the way they did. This sure wasn’t what you bargained for nor ordered but here you have found yourself, just like John did.
I doubt if John, the fiery preacher ever saw a vision of himself in prison. He was called to prepare the way of the Lord but certainly not in the prison. Life had brought him to a platform he never dreamt of.
One beautiful thing I see in all these, is that John directed his questions back to Jesus; he sure needed help at this point, to clear his doubts, questions and concerns. He could have stayed back sulking or even criticizing; but he sought Jesus by sending his disciples to Him and the Lord Jesus recognizing his situation, sent words of comfort back to John.
Life can show you some unpleasant colours atimes. In such moments, seek Jesus. When things no longer seem as they should, seek Jesus. He has the answers; in fact Jesus Himself, is the Answer. He will help you back on track. Do not get crushed under the weight of life’s circumstances. In verse 29 of this Chapter, Jesus even gave an invitation for us to come to Him. Don’t carry your load by yourself…let Him carry it for you. Allowing Him to carry it, is yoking yourself to Him. He sure bears the burdens and leads you along…as you take on His own yoke.
A song writer wrote:
Are you weary, are you heavyhearted?
Tell it to Jesus, Tell it to Jesus;
Are you grieving over joys departed?
Tell it to Jesus alone.
Chorus:
Tell it to Jesus, tell it to Jesus,
He is a friend that’s well known;
You’ve no other such a friend or brother,
Tell it to Jesus alone.
We sure need His strength when it seems we’re about to cave in; when confusion seems to set in; when some questions in our hearts are yearning for answers; when we need those strong arms wrapped around us; when we need that shoulder to lean on; Tell it to Jesus!
May you and I find the encouragement and strength we need to keep moving, as we walk with Jesus. May we not be distracted by the unpleasant colors that life may bring at times but to be emboldened and strengthened to advance in life’s journeys as we come unto Him over and over again. May we find the true rest that Jesus gives. Amen!
© Funmi Adebayo