Offended

posted on: 8.01.2011


"And blessed is the one who is not offended by me."
Matthew 11:6 (ESV)
[To offend is to cause difficulty, discomfort, or injury. It doesn't always imply an intentional hurting but it may indicate merely a violation of the victim's sense of what is proper or fitting.]

Have you ever been offended?
I have.

Have you ever been offended by God?
I have.

Many times recently, actually. It's very difficult to accept all that comes from the Lord, especially the hard and the unexplainable. Good to know that I'm not alone in this. John the baptist, like me, was offended by his own Savior too.
The beginning of Matthew 11 tells us about how John sent two of his disciples to ask Jesus if He is in fact that awaited messiah.
Here's a background story: John was put in prison shortly after Jesus was baptized. John, who was sent to prepare the way for Jesus, never saw the ministry of Jesus on earth. Little did John know that preparing the way for the Messiah would cost him his head.

In Matthew 3, we read about Jesus' baptism. John knew who Jesus was. So why did he doubt in prison? Should Christians doubt in the misdt of their persecution too? What threatened John's conviction and revelation of Jesus?
The Lord revealed this to me: "John was offended that he was in jail. He thought that he didn't deserve to die, after all, he had prepared the way for Jesus. He possessed the spirit of Elijah. He couldn't understand why I would put him in a place of persecution after doing My will.You too have fallen into the same mindset. You must learn to accept my plans as they unfold, whether they seem fit to you or not. Blessed is the one who is not offended by me."

Dearest reader, do not be offended by Him who loves you. Times are hard but He promised not to leave us or forsake us. His plans are for a greater good.  Wait for the Lord and trust, like John waited as he prepared the way. There's a promise of blessing for those that do so.

10 Smiles:

  1. SO encouraging - thanks, dear friend!

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  2. I have been reading your blog a lot recently.... and I just wanted to say HOW much I enjoy your blog. I love the transparency that you convey, the love for Jesus that can be easily seen, and just the genuine heart you have in your walk and pursuit of Christ. Thank you and God bless you!! :)

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  3. Love your blog so much! You have made an appearance on my blog today. Thank you for the inspiration and encouragement you lend to so many through your posts!
    {tara} from Undeserving Grace

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  4. this was wonderful :) you're such a gifted writer! have a blessed day!

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  5. Great post! I love it how you dig into Scripture.

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  6. Lovely thoughts...going through some growing pains at the moment :) I can relate to what you are saying!

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  7. Such a fantastic post, thank you :)xo

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  8. This is SO true. I can't be offended by God! Thank you so much for posting this :)

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  9. You always have such encouraging things to say! Thanks for this today!

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  10. You would love an article by Francis Frangepane, it's about becoming unoffendable, it's amazing
    http://www.holytrinitynewrochelle.org/yourti15509.html

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