But my mouth would encourage you; comfort from my lips would bring you relief.

Job 16:5 (NIV)

Not Offended

by Cathy Vinson

  God can see how rare any of us are to rise above binding circumstances to rejoice in the advancement of God's kingdom elsewhere. There is great compassion for the plight of John the Baptist in prison as he hears of Christs' glorious ministry. Yet, Jesus says the one who is not offended, scandalized, by His intentional movements through another is the one who is happy, blessed.

Clearly the footprints of Jesus, "in Me" (vs 6), are revealed in "the blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the Gospel preached to them" (vs 5).

Are such things happening in earshot of us while we are presently in a time of would-be binding, a place of bonds "prison" (vs 2)? How do we respond to the glories of Jesus revealed in South America, India, the church across town?

With John, let us be told "again." He gives us another chance to hear of the move of Christ in another place. It is spoken to us. Let's hear Jesus in it, His precious handiwork of releasing captives, His work among humankind.

May it be a sweet sound to our ears as it would be to John. Because we love Him, let's look beyond our bonds, and join the ranks of the happy ones, "whoever shall not be offended in Me" (vs 6).

...show John again.

(Matthew 11:4)

 

God can see how rare any of us are to rise above binding circumstances to rejoice in the advancement of God's kingdom elsewhere. 

Send a note to Cathy Vinson , the writer of this devotion.

Other Whispers from the Wilderness Devotions are found HERE

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