He boldly proclaimed the Word of the Lord. He paved the way for Christ. He preached the message with an exclamation point.
Now, he finds himself in prison because of his commitment and his preaching. While in prison, he questions himself, and more disconcerting; he questions Jesus. "Are You the Expected One, or shall we look for someone else?" (Matthew 11:3)
The response from Jesus was not to send John a cute little tract on “How to be Happy in Prison.” He only reminded John that God’s Work was being accomplished. People were being taught the Gospel, and their lives were being improved.
Let’s be honest. There are times in our life as preachers that we understand John’s comments. We feel like we are in prison. We feel tied-downed, overworked, and underappreciated.
Leaders disappoint us, and we disappoint ourselves. People mistreat our family and us. Nobody is real encouraging about the preaching or the work we are doing.
Don’t give up, my brothers. Even when you feel like you are in prison, don't quit. Please remember that when we are preaching God’s Word, His Will is being made known to the world and the Church.
When we are throwing ourselves into ministry and caring for His people, God’s Work is being accomplished.
When we are sharing the love of Jesus with everyone around us, God’s Way is being taught.
When we pray for and with those who are hurting, God’s love is being made known.
When we bring comfort this week to people who have lost someone close to them, we are sharing with them the God of all comfort.
So, preacher friend, don’t let yourself be imprisoned by those who seek to do harm to the Work of God. Let’s be about our Father’s business so that His Name can be glorified!
