Luke 7:22 So he replied to the messengers, “Go back and report to John what you have seen and heard: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor.
Again we are back to people’s *expectations* of Jesus. The Jewish people were being oppressed by Roman rule. They *expected* a Messiah who would deliver them from that rule. They were so convinced that that was who the Messiah would be, what the Messiah would do, that they missed Jesus the Messiah in their midst. Healing the sick, the lame, the blind, the deaf? Impressive, I guess, but when I’ve got Roman soldiers breathing down my back, I’m looking for something much different.
Luke 7:23 Blessed is anyone who does not stumble on account of me.”
I am so, so guilty of the exact same thing. I get hyper focused on some problem or issue or desire of my heart, and even though God shows up and shows out in my life again and again and again, I miss it because I *expect* something different. I feel like that must truly hurt God’s heart–to see His beloved so focused, so miserable, and so utterly missing His many, many gifts and blessings while my attention is on something else. Jesus, Help me.
Luke 7:24 After John’s messengers left, Jesus began to speak to the crowd about John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed swayed by the wind?
Precious Savior, You know my fallible human nature. You know my heart. Forgive me when I miss Your bigger plan because I am so focused on my own *expectations.* Help me to be present in each moment, to seek You, to see You, to be Your hands and feet in this world. Amen.
Luke 7:25 If not, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? No, those who wear expensive clothes and indulge in luxury are in palaces.
Have a blessed day.