DEALING WITH DOUBT
LUKE 7:18-35
INTRODUCTION… Story of Doubt
The little boy cried out over and over, “Mom where are you?!” He was walking back and forth in the front of the store. People with shopping carts full of milk, bread, fruit, and other household items rattled past the frantic boy as they raced to wait in line for a check out spot. The boy decided to stop yelling and just look. So he walked to the front of each aisle and peered down the long trek to see if his mother and her cart were present. He went to the first aisle and saw nothing but potato chips and an old man in an automatic shopping cart. He went to aisle two were three college kids were arguing over who would pay for the stuff in the cart… but no mom.
As he walked to the third aisle he began to wonder what had happened. He had just come from aisle three. That’s where all the fruit snacks were. He was looking at them and then she was gone. He looked down the aisle and she wasn’t there either. The little boy got another pain in his stomach. It felt like bees were flying in his stomach and were trying to get out. He started to cry a little more. “Mom where are you,” he questioningly cried out as he looked down aisle four.
Had she left him at the store all by himself?
Had she decided he was too much trouble to feed… all he had asked for was fruit snacks!?
Had she left the store to head home and forgot all about him?
He felt sad. He felt scared. He felt a little angry.
Just as he reached aisle five he noticed a man in a blue vest putting cans onto a shelf. He walked silently up to the man who obviously worked at the store. Who else would be putting cans on the shelf instead of taking them off? The little boy walked up to him and just as he approached the man looked down.
“I think my mom left me at the store or got abducted by aliens or something,” the boy said to the can stacking wizard of aisle five. The man looked down at the boy with one eye brow cocked higher than the other. The little boy started to cry a little. His mom was gone and he couldn’t find her.
“Now what makes you think that?” he asked as he knelt down in the middle of pallets of canned peas.
“Well,” the boy answered, “I was looking at fruit snacks and then she was gone. I asked her if we could get some and then she just was gone.”
The man in the blue vest slowly got up from his kneeling position. Ever so slowly. The boy heard him grunt a little as he came to his feet. “Let’s see if we can find her.”
“We won’t find her,” the little boy said right away, “I have looked all over the world and she is just plain gone.” The little boy pointed back the way he came. “She’s not anywhere.”
The man in the blue vest took the little boy by the hand and headed towards aisle six. There were in fact twenty aisles in this grocery store warehouse. “So what makes you think that your mom left without you?”
“Because I don’t see her”
“Has she ever accidentally left you anywhere before” the man asked.
“No.”
“Has she ever been abducted by aliens before,” the man asked as they passed aisle seven.
“Not that I know of.”
“So why would you doubt her now? I am sure she is here and we just have to find her,” the man said as he walked up to a small stand at aisle ten. He talked with a super tall man with a bushy mustache who also had on a blue vest, but had a huge button on it with all kinds of stickers. The guy also had a radio the size of a dictionary attached to his belt. After a minute, an announcement came over the store that echoed down the aisles. It sounded crackly and garbled. He thought he heard… “boy… lost… ten…”
Just as the announcement was blasting over the store… announcing to the world that his mother had left him to fend for himself with nothing but a box of fruit snacks to eat… his mother appeared with her full cart around the corner of aisle fifteen. His baby sister was bouncing up and down in the seat of the cart sucking on a bottle and sporting a different outfit than she had on when they entered the store.
“Mom!” the little boy cried out and sprinted down the four aisles to meet his mother. “Mom I thought you left without me” the little boy said as he hugged his mom beside the cart. The man in the blue vest walked up then too.
“Honey I asked you to follow me to the bathroom so I could change your sister,” his mother looked down and hugged him. “I thought you heard me. I looked around after I changed her and didn’t see you. I went to the fruit snack aisle and you weren’t there.” His mom smiled.
“I forgot,” the boy said.
“See,” the man with the blue vest said, “there was no reason to doubt. Here she is and all is well.”
“Honey I have never left you anywhere before… have I,” his mother asked.
“No.”
“Well then I hope you learned something about me today,” his mother said as she looked down at her now non-frantic son.
His mom thanked the man in the blue vest as he began to walk away. The tall man with the mustache and the huge radio also got some thanks from her. “Hey mom,” the little boy asked, “can we get some fruit snacks?”
SNOPES.COM (www.snopes.com/info/glossary.asp; www.snopes.com/info/faq.asp)
I don’t know if you realize it or not, but there are many urban legends, folklore, and stories floating around out there and sometimes it is hard to know what to believe and what not to believe. Stories and legends have only grown with the internet. Sometimes it is hard to not believe an email that someone sends you. Is that a true story? Did that really happen? Fortunately when reading about some of these things there are resources to ferret out what is true and what is not. Snopes.com is one of those sources you can turn to. Snopes.com is a website that is dedicated to researching and debunking false claims and false stories.
On the website they share their philosophy on research and report what details should be doubted and what stories should be believed. They have an entire glossary which describes what legends are true, mostly true, or false. They have strict guidelines for what should be believed and what should be doubted as false. They state on their website: “We rate an urban legend as "true" when there is sufficient evidence to indicate that the legend began with a real-life event… Many urban legends describe events so general and plausible that they might very well have happened to somebody, somewhere, sometime. But since the origins of urban legends can seldom be traced to specific, identifiable occurrences, we rarely categorize such legends as ‘true.’”
Another aspect of the site is that they show you their research. This allows you as the reader to go and check their sources if you so choose. The website states: “We don't expect anyone to accept us as the ultimate authority on any topic. Unlike the plethora of anonymous individuals who create and send the unsigned, un-sourced e-mail messages that are forwarded all over the Internet, we show our work. The research materials we've used in the preparation of any particular page are listed in the bibliography displayed at the bottom of that page so that readers who wish to verify the validity of our information may check those sources for themselves.”
So in thinking about legends, old wives tales, and other folktales, it seems to me that these investigators of the rumor mill basically use two rules when it comes to their investigations: #1 they look for specific, identifiable occurrences to ensure that a rumor is true. #2 they show their sources and work so that you can do your own research. Both of those rules of Snopes.com will come back and be important a little later.
DEFINITIONS OF DOUBT
“Doubt” is one of those words that appear in our lives in many different areas:
In a court of law, criminal cases are tried in the adversarial system where the prosecution is required to prove their case and facts beyond a “reasonable doubt.” I am not so sure I know what “reasonable” means sometimes, but it makes sense that the prosecution must present the case so that a reasonable person would be convinced of the guilt or innocence of a suspected criminal before the sentence is handed down.
Philosophers would tell us that “doubt” is a paradox where the mind is caught between two different propositions and a person cannot make up their mind about either one.
Psychologists and family therapists would tell us that “doubt” is at times a put-down in disguise because doubt breaks the relationship and shows we do not trust the one we have doubted. It may also come because of unmet expectations.
Most of us gathered together today are believers in God and in Jesus Christ and certainly “doubt” is at times the enemy of faith, but also the gateway to deeper and more secure faith. For the Christian, doubt is taking our eyes off of Jesus in the midst of the storm (Matthew 14:26-32). For the Christian, doubt is the enemy of effective prayer (Matthew 21:21-22; Mark 11:23-24; James 1:6-8). Doubt is one of those things that we all deal with because it is a common element of life. We all have doubt, but we all do not know how to deal with it. Doubt, especially in our relationships with Christ, can do great damage.
BIBLICAL STORIES OF DOUBT (OLD TESTAMENT & NEW TESTAMENT)
When I think of doubt and the damage it can do I think of several Old Testament passages which flesh out doubt for us. These passages give doubt a face. They give doubt a name. They show us where doubt comes from. These passages give us the ability to figure out how to deal with doubt when it comes. In my opinion, if you take your faith in God and in Jesus Christ seriously, you will deal with doubt now and again. If you are a person who is active in your faith and you are attempting to be more and more like Jesus Christ everyday, or at least every other day, then doubt will come and knock at your door. These Old Testament passages show us what others have done when doubt comes knocking.
When I think of doubt I remember Abram and Sarai, who in faith struck out with God on a journey to an unknown land, but while in Egypt, because of fear, Abram chose to doubt God’s protection and he lied about Sarai being his wife, not once, but twice (Genesis 12 & 20). When I think of doubt, I remember the people of God as they walked miraculously on dry ground across the Red Sea (Exodus 14), but just a few chapters later were doubting God’s provision because they were hungry and thirsty (Exodus 16 & 17) and their physical needs brought doubt to their hearts. I think of the prophet Elijah and his huge victory over the prophets of Baal in 1 Kings 18, but in chapter 19 we find him hiding in the desert and complaining to God and doubting what God would do for him. The list could go on forever because people of faith have doubts. People of faith deal with periods of doubt in their lives because of fear, physical needs, lack of faith, and a whole host of reasons.
Doubt is not just an Old Testament issue. Doubt can be found in the New Testament as well. In the New Testament the most famous doubter was one of Jesus’ closest companions. Thomas receives the news that Jesus is risen and he does not believe the other disciples. The Gospel of John records that he said to the other disciples, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe it" (John 20:25). That could just be pessimism talking or a seriously defeated attitude, but Jesus appears in just a few verses to rectify the situation. John 20:26-28 says, “A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you!" 27 Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe." 28 Thomas said to him, "My Lord and my God!" Thomas is famous for doubting, but once he saw Jesus, we should all note his confession in verse 28 which proclaimed Jesus as his Lord and his God.
Thomas was not the only one in the New Testament to deal with doubt. Another person who doubted is one that we do not expect. We do not expect it from him because he baptized Jesus (Matthew 3:14-17). We do not expect it from him because he proclaimed Jesus as the “Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29). Yes, even John the Baptist dealt with doubts.
DEALING WITH DOUBT IN Luke 7:18-35
“John's disciples told him about all these things. Calling two of them, 19 he sent them to the Lord to ask, "Are you the one who was to come, or should we expect someone else?" 20 When the men came to Jesus, they said, "John the Baptist sent us to you to ask, 'Are you the one who was to come, or should we expect someone else?'" 21 At that very time Jesus cured many who had diseases, sicknesses and evil spirits, and gave sight to many who were blind. 22 So he replied to the messengers, "Go back and report to John what you have seen and heard: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is preached to the poor. 23 Blessed is the man who does not fall away on account of me." 24 After John's messengers left, Jesus began to speak to the crowd about John: "What did you go out into the desert to see? A reed swayed by the wind? 25 If not, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? No, those who wear expensive clothes and indulge in luxury are in palaces. 26 But what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. 27 This is the one about whom it is written: "'I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you.' 28 I tell you, among those born of women there is no one greater than John; yet the one who is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he." 29 (All the people, even the tax collectors, when they heard Jesus' words, acknowledged that God's way was right, because they had been baptized by John. 30 But the Pharisees and experts in the law rejected God's purpose for themselves, because they had not been baptized by John.) 31 "To what, then, can I compare the people of this generation? What are they like? 32 They are like children sitting in the marketplace and calling out to each other: "'We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we sang a dirge, and you did not cry.' 33 For John the Baptist came neither eating bread nor drinking wine, and you say, 'He has a demon.' 34 The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and you say, 'Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and "sinners."' 35 But wisdom is proved right by all her children.”
News about Jesus was spreading far and wide. Jesus had healed the centurion’s servant without even being present (Luke 7:1-10). Jesus had placed his hands on the coffin of a dead man and he was returned to his family alive and well (Luke 7:11-17). Luke 7:16-17 tells us, “They were all filled with awe and praised God. "A great prophet has appeared among us," they said. "God has come to help his people." 17 This news about Jesus spread throughout Judea and the surrounding country.” News even reached John the Baptist who was in prison (Luke 3:20). Jesus Christ has already met with John the Baptist and has been baptized by him to fulfill all righteousness (Matthew 3:15). John had sent the Spirit of God light upon Jesus. Jesus then went out from His baptism and is now ministering among the people and teaching. Amazing things are happening! Miracles are occurring! He was calling disciples to follow Him. Yet, for some reason a twinge of doubt crept up with John the Baptist. John is still following the ministry and activities of Jesus through messengers, but apparently he is not hearing what he expected. Maybe John was waiting for Jesus to declare His spiritual credentials. Maybe he was expecting Jesus to lead an armed revolt like other Jews believed. Whatever the reason, John the Baptist sent messengers to find out if Jesus was in fact the Messiah.
I think we learn from John the Baptist how to deal with our doubts. To be honest, it is probably amazing to us that John the Baptist had doubts at all. Sometimes we think that believers or ministers or righteous people or those we look up to are immune to having doubts and difficulties like the rest of us. This simply isn’t true. All people have doubts. But not all people deal with doubts well. Luke 7:18-35 shares with us the episode of doubt with John the Baptist which teaches us how to deal with doubt. From this passage we learn three valuable lessons when dealing with doubt whether it is from fear, unmet expectations, loss, or need.
I. EXPECT DOUBT
The first valuable lesson we learn about doubt comes not only from this passage in the life of John the Baptist, but also from the life of Abraham, the people of Israel, Elijah, and Thomas. The lesson is that we should expect doubt to creep up in our lives. If John the Baptist could have doubts, what makes you think that you and I will never deal with doubts?
Situations can discourage us and create doubt for us. John was in prison and perhaps was discouraged which was a crack in his faith armor which allowed doubt to set in. Expectations of life, God, and each other do not get met and we doubt ourselves, our mates, our families, and our God. John was not sure what to expect with Jesus which may have allowed doubt to creep in. Loss or death or sickness also create an atmosphere of doubt which can grow if we are not careful.
So the first lesson we learn from John the Baptist is that we are not immune from doubt. Doubt will be a part of the spiritual landscape of our lives and we need to expect it and plan to deal with it.
II. ATTACK DOUBT AT THE SOURCE
John needed some real answers about Jesus. Like Snopes.com, John the Baptist did not rely on stories or hearsay, but went right to the source to have his questions answered. John did not send his messengers to the Pharisees or other authorities. He had questions about Jesus and so he went to the source.
If you have a doubt about God, go to the source. Don’t go to the bookstore and randomly pick out a book or surf the internet for an article by some person who is most likely a spiritual lunatic, but rather go to the source.
* Go to Him in persistent prayer seeking answers to your questions and doubts.
* Read the Scriptures about what you are doubting.
* Attend a Bible study group where you can ask questions and be encouraged.
* Talk with a fellow Christian about it or speak with someone who is more mature in faith than you.
All of these suggestions will get you attacking doubt at the source rather than just letting it sit and fester. The second lesson we learn from John the Baptist is that doubt needs to be dealt with and we need to head right to the source to deal with it.
III. LOOK AT THE EVIDENCE
When we are doubted, we feel like it is a slap in the face that the other person does not trust us. Jesus did not respond in this way. In fact, Jesus responded the opposite and understood that John needed validation, confirmation, and encouragement. Jesus answered John’s doubts by having him look at the evidence. Luke 7:22 tells us Jesus’ answer: “Go back and report to John what you have seen and heard: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is preached to the poor.” Look around at the evidence you see. Jesus had been busy curing diseases and doing good work among the people. Here is the important point: Based on what John had experienced in the past with Jesus and based on the present evidence of what is seen and heard, Jesus tells John that He is indeed the Messiah and the One that was promised.
Many times we get discouraged and we doubt God’s presence. We get afraid and we doubt God’s provision. God does not meet our expectations and we wonder if He is there. God does not heal someone we love and we doubt God’s character or His power. We experience something horrific or someone in our family does and we doubt that God exists because of our circumstances.
Jesus understands our honest doubts and invites us to look at the evidence. Look at the evidence in the past of God’s faithfulness, power, presence, healing, will, and mercy. How has God acted before? How does the Bible describe God acting in times like what you are experiencing? What does God promise through His Word for situations like what you are dealing with?
Know that He is still with you today and ask Him to give you eyes of faith to see the evidence of His working in your life. It is not easy to see God when you think He is not there.
CONCLUSION… MANY ARE TRUSTING THE ROPE? (www.sermoncentral.com/illustrations)
There is an old story about a mountain climber, who desired to conquer the Aconcagua Mountain in
Argentina, near the Chilean border. The Aconcagua Mountain is the highest mountain in the Andes, and the highest mountain in the western hemisphere. This man initiated his climb after years of preparation. This man decided he would climb this mountain all by himself for he wanted all the glory to himself. He knew better, so against all advice he went up alone.
He started climbing and soon it was getting later ... and later. He did not prepare for camping, but decided to keep on climbing higher and higher. Then it got dark ... night fell with a great heaviness at a very high altitude. Visibility was zero. Everything was black. There was no moon, and the stars were covered by
clouds. As he was climbing a ridge at about 100 meters from the top, he slipped and fell.
Falling rapidly he could only see blotches of darkness that passed. He felt a terrible sensation of being sucked in by gravity. He kept falling and in those anguishing moments good and bad memories passed through his mind. He thought certainly he would die. But then he felt a jolt that almost tore him in half.
Like any good mountain climber, he had safely staked himself with a long rope tied to his waist. In those moments of stillness, suspended in the air he had no other choice but to shout, "HELP ME, GOD! HELP ME!"
All of a sudden he heard a deep voice from heaven: "What do you want me to do?"
"SAVE ME!" He replied. God answered, "Do you REALLY think that I can save you?" "OF COURSE, MY GOD, you can do anything." The man heard a voice, "Then cut the rope that is holding you up." There was another moment of silence and stillness. The man just held tighter to the rope.
The next morning the rescue team said that they found a frozen mountain climber hanging strongly to
a rope ... TWO FEET OFF THE GROUND.
I am not sure what doubts you are dealing with today:
* Maybe you are dealing with doubts that God actually exists.
* Maybe you are doubting that God can forgive you after what you have done.
* Maybe it has been so long since you felt God’s presence you wonder if He is there.
* Maybe you have suffered a loss and you wonder if God has turned His back on you.
No matter the doubt you are dealing with, God understands the doubts. He understands that we deal with fear, loss, expectations, and a whole host of other triggers that fire the gun of doubt. Yet you cannot leave it alone. I challenge you today to expect doubt. I challenge you today to attack doubt at the source. I challenge you to look at the evidence. All three of these valuable lessons from the life of John the Baptist will help you deal with doubt.
