Still In The Story

Reuben is studying theology at St Mellitus College

Luke 7:18-19 (NIV) —

‘John’s disciples told him about all these things. Calling two of them, he sent them to the Lord to ask, 'Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?'

I have a friend who was in an 'on-again-off-again relationship' with a girl for years. Her 25th birthday came around when they were ‘off again’ and he wanted to acknowledge the day with a platonic but playful text. He opted for 'Twenty-five and still alive 🎉 🙌🏻'. Unfortunately, he tends to hit 'send' without proof-reading. What he actually sent was 'Twenty-five and still alone 🎉 🙌🏻.' She hasn’t spoken to him since. His mistake got him written out of the love story.

This week we're looking at three stories in Luke's Gospel about John the Baptist: we can learn something significant from each.

The first occurs in a womb. Mary, pregnant with Jesus, enters the room and John, inside his own mother's womb, flips, as if to say, 'The king just entered.' John was a discerner.

The second occurs in the wilderness. John has amassed a following when one day Jesus joins the crowd and John proclaims, 'Behold the lamb of God.' John was a declarer.

The third occurs in prison. John is locked up for standing up to Herod. Sat in a cell, doubt sets in and he sends word to Jesus - 'Are you the one who is to come?' John was a doubter.

I revere John's discernment and declaration, but I relate to his doubt. I know what it is to wonder if Jesus is really the one. Do you? If so, be deeply encouraged that Jesus didn’t write John out of the story, and he hasn’t written you out either. He can handle our doubts and loves us despite them.

This week, we’ll explore what John did with his doubt, and how Jesus responded, but today bring your belief and/or unbelief and find comfort in the fact that nothing can separate you from the love of God.

You are still in the story.

Prayer - Lord I believe, help my unbelief. Thank you for loving me.