“Deliverer Openly Understands Bringing Total Salvation. (D.O.U.B.T.S)” 

By Ramesh C.Reddy
Pittsburgh Standard

Wednesday, Feb 18, 2009

SCRIPTURE:
“But when Herod heard this, he said, "John, the man I beheaded, has been raised from the dead! For Herod himself had given orders to have John arrested, and he had him bound and put in prison.” (Mark 6:16-17, NIV)

Observation:
I asked myself what happened to John, the Baptist?

1. He was arrested by Herod.

2. He was bound and put in prison.

3. He was beheaded.

From these two verses, no reason is given for John’s beheading or why he is in prison. Those will be answered in the later verses.

Interpretation:
I asked myself what was John known for?
Before being sent to prison, John, the Baptist had done a lot of things and was excited for Jesus’ coming. During those days, people had expected a Deliverer to come and free them from the oppression of Rome and from the puppets of the Roman government whom King Herod was one of them. They were expecting a Messiah to bring earthly deliverance from their oppressors. John, the Baptist had prepared the way but not for deliverance from Rome as people had expected.

 “And so John came, baptizing in the desert region and preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. The whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem went out to him. Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River. John wore clothing made of camel's hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. And this was his message: "After me will come one more powerful than I, the thongs of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit. At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan.” (Mark 1:4-9, NIV)

Mark 1:4-8: "Who do you P.O.I.N.T to in life?" (Aug 29, 08, 10:29 a.m.)

Mark 1:7-9: "What do you S.T.A.N.D for in life?" (Aug 30, 08, 8:38 a.m.)

John, the Baptist had done all this and now he sees himself bound and in prison. What could have been going through his mind?

To find that out, I decided to look at the Gospel of Luke to shed more light into this situation. I wanted to know how John, the Baptist was feeling especially on the inside. I got my answer from Luke 7:20-23.

"When the men came to Jesus, they said, 'John the Baptist sent us to you to ask, 'Are you the one who was to come, or should we expect someone else?'" (Luke 7:20, NIV)

Observation:
I asked myself what happens near Jesus?

1. Men came to Jesus.
2. They tell Jesus that they were sent by John the Baptist to ask a question.
3. They ask Jesus, ‘Are you the one who was to come, or should we expect someone else?'

Interpretation:
I asked myself what is significant about the men’s question?
The question that the men asked Jesus is very significant. It reveals to me something about John the Baptist. Jesus began His ministry after John the Baptist was put in prison (rf. Matthew 4:12-17, Mark 1:14-15). John was bound and in prison when he had asked some men to go and ask Jesus that question.

What's the big deal?
It becomes a big deal when we know how long John the Baptist prepared the way for the Lord. He is the one who also baptized Jesus in the Jordan River (rf: Mark 1:9). Now it seems like John is not sure about Jesus.

We need to ask ourselves why?
Being in prison may have raised doubts in John's mind. He easily could have been in despair. Also, he may have wanted to assure himself even though he is in prison that what he stood for all along was right! (rf: Luke 3:1-20, v.19 & 20 reveal why he was put in prison)

How can a prophet who believed in Jesus, prepared the way for Jesus, and baptized Jesus all of a sudden be filled with doubts?
Sometimes circumstances we are in can make us have doubts. John the Baptist is a human just like us.

What does Jesus do?
"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 cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is preached to the poor. Blessed is the man who does not fall away on account of me." (Luke 7:22-23)

1. Jesus wants the men to go back to John.
2. Jesus wants them to report to John what they have seen. (rf Lk 7:21)
3. Jesus wants them to report what they have heard.

I asked myself what is the content of the report Jesus wanted John the Baptist to hear?

Jesus tells them to tell John the Baptist 7 things:

1. Blind receive sight!
2. Lame walk!
3. Those with leprosy are cured!
4. Deaf hear!
5. Dead are raised!
6. The Good News is preached to the poor!
7. Blessed is the man who does not fall away on account of me!

I asked myself the significance of Jesus’ actions?
It is very interesting to know that Jesus did not ignore John the Baptist when he had doubts but took the effort to answer his doubts. He sent the messengers with evidence to reassure John the Baptist that what he stood for before going to prison was right! We learn the love of Jesus for others. If people have doubts concerning Him, He does not just abandon them even if they have served Him for a long time and then enter the times of 'despair and doubt'.

We have seen John the Baptist live for Jesus and all He did for Jesus. We also learn that he was put in prison for standing up for what is right. Now he is in despair and doubt. We also see Jesus coming along and sending a message of hope to John the Baptist. Especially v.23 'Blessed is the man who does not fall away on account of me.'

Implications:
I saw major implications for my own life. I have prayed and prayed for a situation. When the answer seemed to be there, it was so exciting. I was so sure about something but when it was not going as I expected, all kinds of doubt started to creep in.

I needed answers and wanted them quickly. I did not have messengers to answer my doubts. I took them directly to the Lord Jesus and wondered about them. I was having doubts about the situation and Jesus knew about it because I kept bringing it to His attention.

Jesus has taken care of me all these years and has brought me through trials and tribulations. Jesus still takes care of me. You would think I would not have any doubts about anything but it has not happened that way.

Doubt started taking control until Jesus intervened with His promises. One of my favorite verses is  “Do not be afraid, just believe.”

I kept telling myself to wait on the Lord and not to be afraid but just believe the Lord in the situation. Jesus does comfort me.

The situation did not turn out as I wanted it to. My beloved dad who was married to my mom for 37 went to be with the Lord Jesus on Dec 18, 2007.  But through it all, the Lord Jesus helped us to be grounded in the Word. Those days and times in the hospital's ICU were times I grew in the Lord claiming His promises, spending time with Him, and time with the family including my dad. My dad had gone into cardiac arrest on October 08, 2007 and things looked really bleak and doubts did creep in. But Jesus did not abandon us or our family.

Just as John, the Baptist's situation did not change regarding his life but his doubts were answered, though my dad went to be with the Lord, our doubts were answered. Thank you so much Jesus!

Just as Jesus met John the Baptist in his doubts and comforted him by sending him 7 messages, I saw Jesus reaching out to me and my family in multiple ways too. It has been through His Word, through circumstances, and dreams. I felt like there were messages for me too! It was also through Oakland International Fellowship, especially through Pastor Hugo,  Ryan Li who is now a resident doctor, and Elizabeth Bucknell.

Seeing Jesus in my dream has been the best message  I have ever had topped by Jesus’ words, “Do not be afraid just believe” after waking up.

Jesus could have just ignored me in my doubts but Jesus has not. As a follower of Christ, when I do have doubts, He reaches out to me in different ways and lets His presence and purpose for my life be known. In His timing, I know I will also have the peace no matter what the outcome of situations will be, for He will instill His peace.

Doubts about anything can be the hardest to deal with but thanks be to God for Jesus Christ in my life who will get me through each day. He wants me to trust in Him and not try to understanding everything that happens along the way but to lean on Him. Jesus knows what He is doing more than I can ever know! The two verses below comfort me a lot too:

“I want you to trust in me in your times of trouble so that I can rescue you and you can give me the glory.” (Psalm 50:15, TLB)

"Since the Lord is directing our steps; why try to understand everything that happens along the way.” (Proverbs 20:24, NIV)

It is talking to the Lord everyday that brings my family through. As Jesus takes care of me, whatever you are going through, Jesus will not abandon you too especially in your doubts. All we have to do is look how Jesus handled the situation with John the Baptist and Doubting Thomas.

Dear friends, I ask you now how do you handle doubts in your life?
Dear friend, we live in a world where doubts can creep into our lives because of situations that happen and situations that do not happen. Especially when we are sure about a situation for ourselves but then it does not happen; it can be a doubtful day. Whatever doubts you are going through, you are loved and precious in the Lord’s sight. A lot of people have doubts about their calling by the Lord in different areas of their life but Jesus is always there to answer them in His timing for you and me.

You may have never come to know Jesus but are reading this message right now. Friend, it is not a coincidence that you are reading this message. Yes, friend you may not have all the answers but still a lot of doubts. The Good News is that Jesus is reaching out to you as you are. If the spirit of the Lord was not working in your heart, you would not be reading this message. You are reading this message because the Lord is reaching out to you through this message.

Few months ago, I went to the event, 'An Evening with Tim Keller', pastor of Redeemer Presbyterian Church who was speaking on doubts. While he was speaking, it came to my mind that I need to share a message that I had written about 'How do you handle D.O.U.B.T.S in your life?' but I hesitated thinking I need to go chronologically in the series without jumping ahead.

This morning I was amazed when I looked at the series that the next message I was to write about had to do with D.O.U.B.T.S. I don't think it is a coincidence friend but God reaching out to each one of you who have doubts.

The same Jesus who spoke to John's disciples and sent them back to tell John, the Baptist of everything Jesus has already done is the same Jesus that loves you too in your doubt. Friend, you may not have all the answers but if we wait for the day until all our questions are answered, that day may never come. We need to take a leap of faith and believe in Jesus and what He has already done.

The greatest thing Jesus has done for you and me is what is listed below beyond the 7 things Jesus wanted John, the Baptist to hear:

1. Blind receive sight!
2. Lame walk!
3. Those with leprosy are cured!
4. Deaf hear!
5. Dead are raised!
6. The Good News is preached to the poor!
7. Blessed is the man who does not fall away on account of me!

Jesus went to the cross and shed His precious cleansing blood for you and me. Jesus did that to set you and me free from the 'bondage and slavery to sin', which is missing the mark of Holiness that the Father has set. Even if we have been holy 99.9% of the time, and bad 0.1% of the time, we are not holy and pure. It is like 99.9% of the water being polluted by 0.1% of cyanide. From your perspective, the water may seem pure against that 0.1% of cyanide but not according to God's standards.

You see friend, God in His holiness cannot and will not allow sin to enter into His presence which meant that all of us would not have been able to enter before the presence of the Lord when we died because of our sin. But God loved you and me so much, that God entered humanity as God-incarnate in Jesus to bring you back to Him when Jesus went to the cross to pay the penalty for your sin. While we were sinners, Jesus died for us. Jesus who had no sin was the only One that could pay the penalty of our sin so Jesus took your place and faced the consequences of your sin.

I don't know about you but knowing Jesus died for my sin an excruciating death on the cross as nails were pounded into his feet and hands, the crown of thorns pressed against his head, and a spear thrust into his heart,  how can I not come to Jesus and receive His forgiveness and free gift of grace.

Why turn away from the One who came for me even when I have doubts. In His timing Jesus will answer all my doubts and will answer yours too. As you confess your sin, and repent of them asking Jesus to come into your life and make Him the Lord and Savior of your life, He will do that and you will be a new creation in Christ Jesus where all the old things are gone and the new has come. This is exciting to know!

Jesus loves you so much so won't you come to Him right now just as you are?

Come as you are and receive forgiveness for all your sins and let Him deal with your doubts in His timing for He will. Jesus reaches out to you and to all who received Him, He gave them right to become children of God, children not born of natural descent but born-again by the Spirit of the Lord.

When you come to Jesus, He will never to leave you nor forsake you. This is exciting to know friend! The doubts and the pain of a situation may still be there but His comfort can be there too. Jesus sent word to comfort John the Baptist in his doubt. Jesus will get you too through. Whether it has to do with your career situation, academic situation, relational situation, health situation or any major situation in your life, you are not alone.

Yes friend, you are not alone! Jesus wants to be there for you and wants you to hold on to His promises. John the Baptist had expectations from Jesus but his situation gave him doubts but Jesus assured him through his doubts about why He came!

No matter what the despair and doubt, remember that Jesus will not abandon you. He will reach out to you just as he reached out to John the Baptist. Oh Yes, He will. When you feel down and in despair, remember all that the Lord Jesus has done already in your life and in the lives of others.

John the Baptist's men interceded on his behalf what he was going through. You may not even know how many are interceding on your behalf before the Prince of Peace. You are not alone. You can talk directly to the Lord what you are going through. Yes, you can! Just pour out to Him! Don’t feel like, you talked to Him once about the situation and that should be enough. Everyday, continue to talk to Him and there will come a day when you will experience His peace shattering the doubt.

Jesus goes a step further and praises John the Baptist for all that he has done in serving Jesus. (rf Luke 7:24-28)

“After John's messengers left, Jesus began to speak to the crowd about John: "What did you go out into the desert to see? A reed swayed by the wind? 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. But what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. This is the one about whom it is written: “'I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you.' I tell you, among those born of women there is no one greater than John; yet the one who is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he." (Luke 7:24-28, NIV)

Jesus reaches out to you too and will not forget what you have done for Him and your service to Him.  In your circumstances that are filling you with doubt and despair, come to the Lord and stand upon His Word and promises.

May you find the peace and joy in the Lord and blessed are those who do not fall away on account of Jesus!

We will all face trials and tribulations but the important thing is what do we do with those trials and tribulations! God loves you my friend and it may be hard to face what you are going through. The Lord suffers with you and knows your pain. Lean on Him!

More than anything even if the situation we are hoping for does not come the way we want it, Jesus will be our Prince of Peace through the situation and give us the strength to bear through it and give us His joy. You are never out of His love and never out of His reach. He loves you as you are and reaches out to you friend. Jesus gives you the Fruit of the Spirit to give you a wonderful taste even through the doubt.

I want to share with you a poem called ‘Bible Academy III: Fruit of the Spirit’, the Lord helped me to write years ago.

Bible Academy III: Fruit of the Spirit
By Ramesh C. Reddy

LOVE is plumpy peach
sweeter than pistachio dough,
peachy like Christ's love.

JOY is a green grape
tastier and happier than onions.
Joyful to know Christ.

PEACE is a banana,
white and fragrant than Havana.
Looks for Prince of Peace.

PATIENCE is a plum,
stickier as a fruity gum,
loving God with patience.

KINDNESS is Honeydew,
sweeter than my sweet honey,
reminding me Christ.

FAITHFULNESS is bright,
Brighter than luscious orange.
Faith brings you to God.

GENTLENESS is soft,
Softer than teddy's cherries,
cherishing Jesus Christ.

SELF-CONTROL is strong,
Stronger than a pineapple
Showing Christ's love.

GOODNESS eats papaya.
Popeye neutralizes Satan
using Word of God.

Amen!

You may have doubts to surrender your life completely over to the Master and sign a blank page allowing Jesus to fill the blank page but remember Jesus loves you so much and no matter what is asked of you or happens, you are in His precious care for even death or martyrdom cannot take that away. The fruit that comes out of the experience of being with the Lord will impact many lives.

It starts with giving our doubts to Jesus and surrendering to Him.  When we do that we can have confidence to sign the pledge in front of a witness:

"The pledge says, 'Lord Jesus, ANYTHING, ANYTIME, ANYWHERE, I am ready!'

Signed ____________,  Date _________ "

"On the inside it says, MY DECISION

By signing the front of this card, today I decide that Jesus Christ is Lord and Master of my life. I no longer want to merely include God in my plans. I want God to include me in His plan, whatever that means, whatever the cost.

ANYTHING, ANYTIME, ANYWHERE

Witnessed by _______________"

I cannot do it on my own strength but the strength He gives me. I am comforted by the promises in Psalm 121 which is a favorite song of mine and Romans 8 which is a favorite chapter of mine.

May you be uplifted knowing Deliverer openly understands bringing total Salvation! Amen!

“Deliverer Openly Understands, Bringing Total Salvation.”(D.O.U.B.T.S)/”How do you handle doubts in your life?”

Prayer:
Oh Father God, we come before you now. Thank you so much Father God for your Son Jesus Christ, for sending Him into this world to rescue sinners like me. Oh Lord Jesus, thank you so much for being with me through the weeks of trials and tribulations. Even in my doubts you never left me and kept to your promises and you will continue too. Oh Lord I thank you for loving us so much. Your Word shows us that trials and tribulations are a part of life but you will be with us. You want us to remember all that you have done for us even when we are filled with despair. You want us to trust in you and we do that Oh Lord. Help us Lord in our doubts. I thank you Lord for reaching out to John the Baptist in his time of despair and doubt. Thank you for reaching out to us too. We are so sorry for all our sins and ask you to forgive us and rescue us. Light the fire in our hearts again Oh Lord and fan the flame. Make us whole Oh Lord. You know Oh Lord where we have been and we need you. Light the fire that once burned so bright for you. I thank you Jesus. We give our selves to you and rest in you Lord. We rest in your love and care. Give us an undivided heart that we may praise your Name.

I pray for the one who has so many doubts that you Oh Lord would intervene in his/her life to take away those doubts in your precious timing and that they would take a leap of faith to believe in you and give their lives to you. Thank you so much Jesus. Thank you for hearing us and answering us! In Your Name We Pray Jesus! Amen!

If you would like to invite Jesus Christ into your heart and make Him a daily part of your life, you can this very moment. You will never be alone. You can claim God's promises for you in the Bible and see them come true, before your eyes, in His wonderful timing. You don't have to wait for a special time to come to the Lord. You can come right now as you pray this prayer, meaning it in your heart and finding your new identity in Christ Jesus.

Prayer:
Dear Jesus, I am a sinner Lord. I am so sorry for my sins. I confess my sins to you. I confess the wrong things I have done and the times I messed up my own life. I need you Lord right now and in the years to come. I have gone my own way and have not found what only you can give me. You alone have the words of Eternal Life. You alone love me unconditionally for who I am. I thank you Jesus. Thank you for going to the cross for me, for dying for my sins, shedding your precious blood for me, so I can me made whole. I am covered by your blood Lord! I come as I am and  accept you Jesus into my heart. Please come into my heart Jesus. Please make my heart your home. Please live in me Jesus. Thanks Jesus for coming into my heart and living in me. Thank you for forgiving me of all my sins. Thank you for giving me a new identity in you. I acknowledge you as my Lord and Personal Savior as I believe in my heart that you died and came back to life to save me now and forever. I give myself to you and ask you to be in control of my life. Thank you Jesus through the  days, we can do things together. Thanks for being my Lord and Personal Savior. Thank you Jesus you have heard my prayer and answered me. Thanks Jesus for changing me and helping me through life's storms and winds. In Your Name I Pray Jesus! Amen!