August 16: TO BEAR WITNESS OF CHRIST

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

A trying situation in life can cause pain and discouragement; yes, even among believers. After John the Baptist was imprisoned, he felt isolated and forgotten. He had truly and wonderfully turn[ed] many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God (1:16), just as Gabriel had prophesied to his father Zacharias. John accomplished this by pointing people to the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29). The heartwarming answer that Jesus sent in reply was an assurance that Jesus was busy fulfilling His role in the wake of John’s successful ministry: “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) This response provided assurance to John. The ministry he had obediently launched was being carried forward by Jesus. Miracles were happening among the people, turning John’s attention to the gentle ways and methods of the Lamb. The current events of the day were not what John had expected, but his trust in Jesus was affirmed; he was not offended because of [Him].

Elijah faced deep discouragement, immediately after his successful faceoff with the prophets of Baal. He received a death threat from Jezebel, wife of Israel’s King Ahab. He ran for his life (1 Kings 19:3), placed his servant safely in Judah, and went into the wilderness. Twice, the LORD asked, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” (vv.9,13) and twice, he answered: “I have been very zealous for the LORD God of hosts; for the children of Israel have forsaken Your covenant, torn down Your altars, and killed Your prophets with the sword. I alone am left; and they seek to take my life.” (vv.10,14) In a still, small voice (v.12) the LORD gave a series of instructions for Elijah (vv.15-16), and then gave this assurance: “I have reserved seven thousand in Israel, all whose knees have not bowed to Baal, and every mouth that has not kissed him.” (v.18).

Elijah and John the Baptist filled the role of true prophets. They were both sent to God’s people to clear away obstacles (false teachings), to call out their sins, and to present the option of repentance before God. Both prophets, in their humanity, experienced severe discouragement. God’s last-day people, in delivering the final “Elijah Message” will certainly face discouragement (see Revelation 12:17). Some may suffer death by persecuting hands, as John the Baptist did. Others will still be alive when Jesus returns. As for all of God’s faithful, Christ will be magnified…whether by life or by death (Philippians 1:20).

The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together. For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God. Romans 8:16-19