...do whatever the Lord does...

“18 The disciples of John the Baptist reported all these things to him. So John summoned two of his disciples 19 and sent them to the Lord to ask, ‘Are you the one who is to come, or are we to wait for another?’ 20 When the men had come to him, they said, ‘John the Baptist has sent us to you to ask, ‘Are you the one who is to come, or are we to wait for another?’ 21 Jesus had just then cured many people of diseases, plagues, and evil spirits, and had given sight to many who were blind. 22 And He answered them, ‘Go and tell John what you have seen and heard: the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, the poor have good news brought to them. 23 And blessed is anyone who takes no offense at Me.’

24 When John’s messengers had gone, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John: ‘What did you go out into the wilderness to look at? A reed shaken by the wind? 25 What then did you go out to see? Someone dressed in soft robes? Look, those who put on fine clothing and live in luxury are in royal palaces. 26 What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. 27 This is the one about whom it is written,

‘See, I am sending my messenger ahead of You,    who will prepare Your way before You.’ 28 I tell you, among those born of women no one is greater than John; yet the least in the kingdom of God is greater than he’” Luke 7:18-28.

I have always loved the fact that Jesus rarely stands up and uses words to defend Himself. Instead, He rolls up His sleeves and does, in fact, what the bible said the Messiah would do when He came: open the eyes of the blind, unstop deaf ears, even raise the dead. “Draw your own conclusions,” he seems to be saying. “And think about this: God’s blessing will fall upon those who are not shocked by Me, not ashamed of the fact that I am not exactly what they were expecting.”

Then Jesus asks the key question: “What were you looking for when you went out into the desert to see John the Baptist? John is no king! We’ve had enough of those. John was the greatest mother’s son ever,” Jesus said, “but anyone in God’s kingdom is still greater than John, because I am The One Who Was Coming, the One who would change everything.”

Dear friends, when Jesus talks about John the Baptist, Jesus is actually talking about Himself! So, today, take time in prayer and consider the fact that Jesus is speaking to you: “And a blessing on the person who isn’t shocked by Me!” Does Jesus shock you in any way? Take time today and tell God how much you love Him and are not shocked in the least by anything He says or does. Talk to Jesus about blessing you with change — change in your own heart — so that you can do what Jesus wants you to do. Pray that Jesus will never again be shocked by anything you say or do!

O Lord, help me to desire what You desire for me and for the world.

Help me to do what You wish me to do

in the remaining days and hours of my life.

Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the Living God,

have mercy on me a sinner.