IT WILL END IN PRAISE TO GOD
His birth was supernaturally announced, so was his cousins. His mission on earth was just to herald the coming of his cousin the Christ.
From the stories his mother told him, they were six months apart. In fact, at some point when his mother was pregnant with him, his aunt Mary had to come to take refuge in their house. He did his best to stay faithful to his calling. He never pretended to be who he was not. He told the people what his mission was, and he never took the glory for that was not his. He showed the whole world that Jesus the Christ was the one to come and save the entire world from their sins. Apart from the fact that their ministries were closely linked, they were cousins, i.e. family for crying out loud. Aren't families supposed to look out for each other? When the people were trying to cause a rift, he was quick to declare his position, 'I am not the Messiah'. As he was wrongly placed in bonds, how come this cousin would not even as much as visit him in prison?
He did the big brother thing, sent his aides to make sure cousin Jesus knew his plight. His thoughts must have been something like this, 'you are my cousin, and we both know you are the Christ, you have all power, and you can at least check me up now I am in detention and that wrongly so. You of all people should know my plight; we are related physically and spiritually, Haba! Jesus.' Jesus was about His regular duties, and then He got to know He had visitors from His cousin John. Their only question was, 'are you the messiah or should we expect another?'
The question could have been from a place of pain, a place of frustration, a place of bewilderment, disbelief, desperation or even anger. We do not know for sure; all we know is Jesus' reply was neither to say yes or no. He told them to report what they saw. 'That's it? Is that your answer? Is this how you respond to my plight?' If you are like me, you would conclude that Jesus right there was hard, I mean, give the guy a break! The guy was in trouble, and all you did was reel out your accomplishment? Come on!
But you and I know that God is not like us. Jesus expected John to know. It does not matter what your issues are; God is still God. If He is not responding the way you wish, that does not change a thing! The heavens will not fall because you have issues. Hey brother, get over it! Should you know the terms of reference for your office? Stop sulking, go about your business. If the bend you are on demands that you face the evil king, so be it!
Did John die sad, offended, disappointed or even bitter, we do not know. We only know that he was reputed to be the greatest amongst the prophets (Matthew 11:1-15).
My friend, have you been there? Have you found yourself alone whilst being surrounded by folk who should empathise but would not? Have you felt let down by family and buddies who should be with you through thick and thin? Know this; there is nothing new under the sun! John the Baptist died, the greatest amongst the prophets, you have not been asked to shed blood so brother, it's all good.
It will all turn out to God's glory. Know for sure; God is working it all out for your good. When it all comes together, we will understand. There is a big picture in the Masters' mind.
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BOOKS BY Anne Ajadi:
YOU WILL MARRY WELL
GODS LADY IN WAITING
WALK WITH ME IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF JESUS
STRENGTH FOR THE JOURNEY
HEART MATTERS, LIFE MATTERS
