Psalm of the Day: Psalm 86:1-17
Wisdom of the Day: Job 9:21-35
Scripture Reading: Luke 7:18-23
Did John the Baptist doubt the authenticity of Jesus as the Messiah? Upon a casual reading one may come to this conclusion since John sent his disciples to Jesus to confirm that very thing. But what if John's question was for his disciple's sake and not his own? He knew that he was not long for this world and that they would soon be left alone. By having his disciples ask if Jesus was truly the Messiah, John was pointing them to Christ. He calculated that they would receive an answer that would make an indelible impression on their minds. They got an answer in evidence, as well as words. They received an answer which probably produced a deeper effect than any arguments which they could have heard from John's lips.
What an instructive lesson we have here for ministers, and parents, and heads of families, and for all who have anything to do with the souls of others! We should endeavor, like John the Baptist, to provide for the future spiritual welfare of those we leave behind when we die by always pointing them to Christ. We should often remind them, that we cannot always be with them, but Christ can be. We should often urge them to beware of the broad way that leads to destruction. We should spare no pains to make all, who in any way look up to us, acquainted with Christ.
Happy are those whose consciences can testify on their death-beds that they have told their hearers to go to Jesus and follow Him!
Prayer for the Day: Dear Lord, please help me to point others to Christ.
Action Plan: How can I do a better job in pointing others to Christ? What mistakes have I made in the past? What sins hold me back today? How can I be a better witness?
This devotional was taken from The Gospel of Luke by J.C. Ryle published in 1858
and adapted by Pastor Tim Lewis of New England Shores Baptist Church.
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