.Bask in Me.

Ever found yourself reading 4-5 books at a time and in the midst of doing so, one text of Scripture comes up over and over again... That's where I have been for the past 3-4 days. I have been reading Radical, The Barbarian Way, The Christian Atheist... and it seems like one or two more, but those for sure, and they all speak of this account in Matthew. {Screaming at me:} Time to figure it out.

In Matthew 11 John the Baptist has this incredible struggle. John is in prison, he has been in prison... and the likelihood of him getting out is slim... So, he send his followers to Jesus and asks the most bizarre question: "Are you the coming One or do we look for another?"

Crazy right? You mean John the Baptist was unsure of whether the One he had baptized... the One he knew since he was a boy and been exposing as the Messiah really was? Why?

Well, it seems from the context that he was shaken, scarred... afraid to endure what was coming, and in turn wondering: If He is Christ, would He allow this to happen?

Jesus' answer: "Go and tell John the things which you hear and see: The blind see and the lame walk; the lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear; the dead are raised up and the poor have the gospel preached to them. And blessed is he who is not offended because of Me.”

What?

Then Jesus cries loud enough for John's followers to hear: "What did you go out to the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind? But what did you go out to see? A man clothed in soft garments? Indeed, those who wear soft clothing are in king's houses. But what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I say to you, and more than a prophet."

The Truth: Jesus knew that John was shaking in his jail cell. There were people who wanted his head on a silver platter (and they eventually got it). And he wanted to know what Jesus was going to do about it.

Jesus essentially told John, "you know who I am. You are scared, and I get it... but I will not "offend" you by taking away your greatest moment to shine for My glory."

Me: Jesus would you really sit back and let John die and bask in the glory of it all?

Jesus: Yes.

Why? Let's be Honest, that's none of my business.
God, whatever it takes for you to be glorified through me... Give me the strength to endure... TO THE END!

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