What Are You Expecting (Part II)

(Begin with 1-2 minutes of silence)

Think about this: each and every time you are bothered by something, it’s likely an indication that you had an expectation that went unmet. You experience frustration when somebody cuts you off on the highway – you had an expectation that others would drive more safely. You are bothered when a colleague is late for a meeting – you had an expectation that the meeting would begin on time. Sometimes our expectations are very realistic, meaning they are not at all unreasonable. But sometimes our expectations are unrealistic, meaning they are unreasonable. 

John the Baptist almost certainly had an expectation that Jesus would set him free from his prison cell. He may have been thinking things like, I’ve lived in the dessert. I’ve lived on locusts and honey. I’ve taught thousands of people of the coming Messiah. I BAPTIZED JESUS! 

On the surface, John’s expectation may appear realistic. But Jesus had a very different understanding of what it meant to “set the captives free.” He did not fulfill John’s expectation. Yet Jesus still thought very highly of John and went on to preach that nobody was greater than John (Matthew 11:11).

READING & PRAYERS:

     MATTHEW 11:2-19 (also read the commentary notes in your Study Bible of choice.)

QUESTION: Do you live your life with the belief that your circumstances are a measure of God’s love for you? (e.g., If your life is going well, God must be pleased with you. But if your life is going poorly, God must be displeased with you.) What steps do you need to take to rid your mind of this lie?

REAL LIFE PRACTICE: Today, take 2-3 times to remind yourself of Romans 8:38-39. Nothing can separate you from the love of God. Nothing. 

Take a Step: Remember to continue utilizing the One Minute Pause app throughout the week. If possible, begin to explore and practice the 3, 5 or 10 minute pause to more deeply root yourself in Christ.

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I confess that there are times when I wrongly believe that if my life circumstances are poor, it means You are displeased with me. Today, I am grateful for the reminder that nothing can separate me from Your love. May I take opportunities to fully experience Your love today. Amen. 

(End with 1-2 minutes of silence)