Bible Reading: Luke 7
Luke 7:23 And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me.
The plan of Jesus is not the same for every person. Oh yes, the plan of salvation is the same. We are all saved by grace through faith. However, the plan for our lives is different for every believer. When John was in jail, he sent his disciples to ask Jesus if he was the One they were looking for or if they should look for another. Jesus answered by telling the disciples to observe his ministry:
Luke 7:22 Then Jesus answering said unto them, Go your way, and tell John what things ye have seen and heard; how that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, to the poor the gospel is preached.
Jesus was doing the things that were prophesied of him. The gospel was being preached. Wonderful things were happening as people were healed and even brought back from the dead. And John was in jail. Why was the greatest one ever born of woman rotting in jail while the great ministry he came to prepare the way for was doing such wonderful things? The reason is that John’s purpose was fulfilled and it was time for John to get out of the way and go home to be with the Father.
Do you view death in that way? As a Christian we all should. The Bible says:
Philippians 1:21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.
John knew when the way was prepared for Jesus that his ministry would decrease while Jesus’ would increase.
John 3:30 He must increase, but I must decrease.
Now Jesus exhorts the disciples of John not to be offended in him. What did he mean? He meant not to get offended when things do not turn out the way you think they should. Keep your eyes on Jesus and realize that we live to glorify him. It does not matter what ministry flourishes as long as Jesus gets the glory. It does not matter which earthen vessel he uses as long as Jesus gets the glory. If he is glorified in your life – so be it. If he is glorified in your death – so be it. John was one of the most focused individuals in all of scripture. From the very womb he was filled with the Holy Ghost (Luke 1:15). John was a burning and shining light (John 5:35); and like a torch when the fire had consumed all the fuel, it literally burned itself up. His task was complete and he could go home.
Live for Jesus in all of life and give him the glory. If life does not turn out the way you thought, realize that Jesus can be glorified in your life in a multitude of ways and don’t be offended at him. Trust him!
In Christ,
Rody
