Wednesday, January 19

What is one thing you lack, but you desire to grow in? I was asked this question on Sunday. My answer? An un-offended heart. I want to live in truth and never waiver. In the good times and the rocky times, I want to be steady. This is why i love this passage....
Jesus had come, saying that he would "preach good news to the poor, proclaim freedom for the prisoners, recovery of sight for the blind, and release the oppressed" luke 4:18... The disciples walk with Jesus day to day and witness this first hand. They watch Jesus heal the sick, give sight to the blind, and deliver people from demons. They leave their families and give their lives to following Jesus, because they believe he is the ONE who God sent.
Later, John the baptist is thrown into prison. I would assume that while in prison, one has much time to think. He must have thought about Jesus' words. "I will set the prisoners free"....and as he waited for his release, he must have had some time to question what Jesus said. John sends two people out to ask Jesus a question. (Luke 7:18-23)...
“John the Baptist has sent us to You, saying, ‘Are You the Coming One, or do we look for another?’” ²¹ And that very hour He cured many of infirmities, afflictions, and evil spirits; and to many blind He gave sight. 
²² Jesus answered and said to them, “Go and tell John the things you have seen and heard: that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, the poor have the gospel preached to them. ²³ And blessed is he who is not offended because of Me.” 

I find myself in this situation so many times, not in prison, of course.... but, I hear what Jesus says, believe him, and then find myself in a place that doesn't line up with what I know to be true. I create my own prison when I start listing the things I don't see him doing. I start building walls of offense up around my heart when I realize, I'm not being rescued. Jesus tells John the baptist, look at all that is happening and do not be offended. So, no matter what my situation may look like, Jesus is who he says he is, and will do what he says he will do. It may be hard to see what he is doing from behind big metal bars, and at times, I may feel trapped...but even in prison, I can't let my heart get offended.
So I'm signing up for the offenseless heart, that all my struggles lead me to press in for greater breakthrough instead of  building brick walls of offense. I have been thinking about this for the past few days....and after reading this, it only made me more aware of what I lack, and strengthened by desire to seek it out.