Where Is God?

 "And John, calling two of his disciples to him, sent them to Jesus, saying, “Are You the Coming One, or do we look for another?” (Luke 7:19, NKJV)

John the Baptist, the prophet whose birth has been prophesied, who was the forerunner of Jesus, whose powerful ministry drew many people to the River Jordan to repent and be baptized was in prison. The Bible says of John, “for he will be great in the eyes of the Lord. He must never touch wine or other alcoholic drinks. He will be filled with the Holy Spirit, even before his birth. He will be a man with the spirit and power of Elijah. He will prepare the people for the coming of the Lord. He will turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, and he will cause those who are rebellious to accept the wisdom of the godly.” And he will turn many Israelites to the Lord their God.” (Luke 1:15-17, NLT)

John the Baptist demonstrated all that had been prophesied about him. Herod threw him into prison because he spoke the truth about Herod's affair with his brother's wife and challenged Herod to do the right thing. Such forthrightness is missing today in Christendom. In fact like Herod, many are offended when they are corrected. The desire for self-indulgence is a strong one that causes many to act irresponsibly when they are challenged. Many who claim to be Christians in the 21st century would have kept their mouths shut. Their primary goal would be not to rock the boat, be politically correct, be pleasing to all so that none is offended. Compromise of biblical truth does no one any favours; in fact it hides the truth from people and is basically self-centred. Margaret Thatcher (1925 - 2013) and former Prime Minister of United Kingdom once said "If you just set out to be liked, you would be prepared to compromise on anything at any time, and you would achieve nothing"

Jesus described John the Baptist thus:

"For I say to you, among those born of women there is not a greater prophet than John the Baptist; but he who is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.” (Luke 7:28, NKJV)

On his own part, John the Baptist said the following about Jesus:

"He must increase, but I must decrease. He who comes from above is above all; he who is of the earth is earthly and speaks of the earth. He who comes from heaven is above all." (John 3:30‭-‬31, NKJV)

In spite of all this, John the Baptist found himself in prison. He was eventually beheaded. Why didn't Jesus rescue him? Why aren't the brethren who are persecuted delivered from their tortuous existence? Can you hear them wondering and asking, 'Where is God?' What is the answer to that question? Have you ever asked that question? Have you found yourself in a dire situation that makes you wonder what's going on? You look to the left, right, front and back and nothing seems to budge. Everything looks tight and tough. 

John the Baptist felt that way. He sent his disciples to ask Jesus, 'Are You the Coming One or should we look for another?’  Yet earlier on he had said he must decrease and Jesus must increase. In fact, John the Baptist announced the arrival of Jesus at the River Jordan with conviction, “...“Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29)

It is debatable that John the Baptist doubted who Jesus was. He may have expected deliverance from his imprisonment by Jesus but that was not God's plan. How different things are today in Christendom. Many individuals come to Jesus with a shopping list, expecting this and that. Not John the Baptist. He was totally surrendered to Jesus. Jesus responded as follows:

"... “Go and tell John the things you have seen and heard: that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, the poor have the gospel preached to them.  And blessed is he who is not offended because of Me.” (Luke 7:22‭-‬23, NKJV)

John the Baptist must have known then that he was going to be killed by Herod. Will you be offended when God does not answer in the way you expect? Sure enough, He does not always answer in the way we expect or want and He makes no apologies for His decisions for He is sovereign, perfect, holy and good. 

Today there is a school of thought that spreads the idea that there is no pain, no suffering, no sickness or no disappointment or no loss in Christianity. God has never promised that we would have a trouble-free existence. In fact He said, 

“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, Nor shall the flame scorch you. But now, thus says the Lord , who created you, O Jacob, And He who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; You are Mine.” (Isaiah 43:1-2)

You see, there are times when we will experience difficulties even as Christians. At such times the devil will come whispering untruths so that we may doubt God. I want to assure you today that God is with His people. The Bible says

“Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5)

Those are the words of God. He will never abandon you. Never. Although we would have tribulation in this world, the peace of God is our portion in the Name of Jesus. 

“These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)

May the Lord God Almighty comfort you with these words through the ministry of the Holy Spirit. Be of good cheer, God has your back. Even though you may be experiencing tough times, God is with you and He will make a way where there seems to be no way. Jesus said

“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28)

Rest is guaranteed when we turn to Jesus. He is always close by. Jesus has all that we need and in Him is peace and joy beyond anything we could ask or think. Have a blessed day.