While in his mother’s womb, when he heard the voice of his cousin’s mother, he leaped. Years later, John would baptize Jesus and witness the Spirit of God descending upon Him and the voice from the Father proclaiming, “This is My beloved Son.” He would pave the way for Jesus and herald the coming of our Lord with great certainty.
But now, he finds himself in prison because of his faithfulness. What he had once preached with certainty has become a question mark in his mind. He even questions the Divinity of the Savior. “Now while in prison, John heard about the works of Christ, and he sent word by his disciples, and said to Him, “Are You the Coming One, or are we to look for someone else?” (Matthew 11:2-3).
Perhaps, as a preacher, you have been there. Maybe you are there right now. There are times when the work of preaching and ministry can be discouraging. It may cause us to question our work and His strength. We may want to run and hide. Get away from it all.
If you find yourself in the prison of discouragement today, please don’t think you are alone. There are preachers who seem on the outside to live in a fairy tale world. You know them. Everything is always GREAT, WONDERFUL, PERFECT, OUTSTANDING. Please don’t try to live up to that unrealistic place. After all, we are all human, and this life was not meant to be perfect. Remember, even Jesus wept about those who refused to follow Him. Even Jesus got tired, hungry, and angry.
Let’s go back to Matthew 11. When John found himself alone in a prison cell, questioning whether or not Jesus was the Christ, Jesus didn’t pounce on him. He didn’t send him a cute little tract about how to be happy in prison. He simply reminded John of the work that those of us who preached are called to do. “Go and report to John what you hear and see: thosewhoare blind receive sight, and thosewho limp walk, those with leprosy are cleansed, and thosewhoare deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have the gospel preached to them. And blessed is any person who does not take offense at Me.” (Matthew 11:4-6)
Sometimes, when we feel discouraged what we need most is to hear the sweet voice of our Master. “Come to Me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is comfortable, and My burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30)
