Word from The WORD: Open to be doubted

Tuesday, February 5, 2013

Open to be doubted

Doubt_1 When I say that it is hard to accept when someone doubts, you would agree with me. Yes, when someone doubts your integrity, character, work, behaviour it is not easy to accept it and it can also annoy you. And if the same is done by someone close to you, well known to you, it becomes very difficult to come in terms with that. Adding onto that if the person who doubts you sends some of his associates or friends to you to inquire about the matter, how would you feel?

Sometimes we might fight with those who come to inquire of us and for sure we will never respect the one who doubted us.

But when we see Jesus reacting to such a doubt, we can learn beautiful lessons for our lives.

“The disciples of John reported all these things to him. And John, calling two of his disciples to him, sent them to the Lord, saying, “Are you the one who is to come, or shall we look for another?” And when the men had come to him, they said, “John the Baptist has sent us to you, saying, ‘Are you the one who is to come, or shall we look for another?’” In that hour he healed many people of diseases and plagues and evil spirits, and on many who were blind he bestowed sight.” Luke 7:18-21 (ESV)

Neither does Jesus fight with those who were sent to Him by John nor does He try to talk his way out of the doubtful situation, which we would normally do. But He continued to do His work -

“And he answered them, “Go and tell John what you have seen and heard: the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, the poor have good news preached to them.” Luke 7:22 (ESV)

In such a situation when it is not easy to accept the doubter, we see Jesus dealing differently here while talking about John,

“When John's messengers had gone, Jesus began to speak to the crowds concerning John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind? What then did you go out to see? A man dressed in soft clothing? Behold, those who are dressed in splendid clothing and live in luxury are in kings' courts. What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. This is he of whom it is written, “‘Behold, I send my messenger before your face, who will prepare your way before you.’ I tell you, among those born of women none is greater than John. Yet the one who is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.” Luke 7:24-28 (ESV)

Jesus talks about the “greatness” of John, who doubted Him! When we are doubted, misunderstood by others, shall we commit ourselves to be open to be doubted like Jesus and pray that He may make us more like Him everyday.

Make me more like Thee

Jesus make me more like Thee

Give me a heart that filled with love

And make me more like Thee

Let’s prayerfully resolve to,

Smile & talk to the one who doubted us
Not to harbour any resentment upon him or her who doubted us or spoke ill of us
Not be judgmental of those who were judgmental about us
Continue to do the good that we were called to do
Not give up on anyone, but let’s give a fresh start to such people too and build godly relationships