Online Devotions: September 1 (Matthew 11:2-3)

Sunday, September 1, 2013

September 1 (Matthew 11:2-3)

Now when John heard in prison about the deeds of the Christ, he sent word by his disciples and said to him, “Are you the one who is to come, or shall we look for another?” (ESV)

If you read these verses in isolation, they may not strike you as curious, but if you read Matthew straight through, then they seem quite strange. Just a few chapters before in Matthew 3, we see John baptizing Jesus. John was a witness to the Holy Spirit descending on Jesus in the form of a dove. He was there when God the Father spoke and acknowledged Jesus as His beloved Son. And don’t forget that John is His cousin. What is going on here?

Doubt is one of the most common things to afflict followers of Jesus. We may say to all our church friends that we have this great, unshakable faith, but remember that Peter, too, said he would never betray Jesus, and look how that turned out. We all have our doubts. I do, and so do you. It is a natural condition of the fallen world. You are not less of a Christian when a doubt springs to your mind.

So what do you do? Jesus offers Himself, even to our doubts. Remember how He responded to Thomas. He offered His wounds for him to touch. Even in your doubt, go to Jesus. Take your doubts to Him, even if you doubt He is there at all. He will always offer Himself to you.

Jesus, I am embarrassed to say that there are so many things that cause me to doubt You. Fear, sin, pressure, stress…pretty much anything, really. Come to me again and restore my faith. Let me see You. I need You today. Amen.

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History of Online Devotions

In January of 1999, I began the Online Devotions with the teens of the church we were attending. Each week they would receive a verse of Scripture, a short reflection, and a prayer. Over the years others subscribed to this email list, and soon the Online Devotions were going out to people across the country and beyond.

In 2007 I published in book format a collection called Desert Days: Forty Devotions for Men.

After suggestions from several readers, I launched in 2010 the Online Devotions blog. Devotions are still available each week by email, and if you would like to subscribe, please indicate so in the comment box.

As I have always said, if one of these devotions touches you, you can be sure it was from God. If one leaves you flat, then there was too much of me in it.