He opened his eyes to absolute darkness. This was the worst time — the three hours in the middle of the night where there was no light, no movement; the only sounds were those internal: the juices in his stomach digesting itself; his heart rhythmically beating; the constant chatter of doubt between his ears. In the desert he had slept many a night alone and awakened the same way — doubting what he had done with his life. But in the desert, the stars were a constant reminder that he was being guided by a force much greater than his own desires. Here, surrounded by four dank stone walls with no windows and only a crawlspace door, it was like being trapped in the courtroom of his own mind — his conscience the only judge.
“What if he’s not the one?” his thoughts demanded.
John tried to focus on the words he had heard a few days before from trusted followers: “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.”
The words had made his heart leap for joy. But now, alone again, in the darkness…
“John?”
“Yes, Lord.”
“Why are you afraid?”
“I can’t see you.”
“You couldn’t see me in your mother’s womb, but you knew me even then.”
“Yes, Lord.”
“So why are you afraid?”
“I’ve given my whole life — everything — to clear the path for you. And now, when I need to see you, you’re not there.”
“I’m right here.”
“Are you the one or do I seek another?”
“John…”
“I know, I know! But if I could just see you one more time! If I could just touch the hem of your garment. If I could just see the blind receive sight, the lame walk…the looks on the Pharisees’ faces!”
“You see me every day, every time one of your followers comes to visit. When they bring you a blanket or water or a meal, you see me. Don’t you see the light in their faces? Don’t they shine like the stars in the night?”
“Yes, Lord. You’re right. I’m sorry.”
“John, don’t be sorry. And don’t be afraid. You don’t have much longer to fight, so hang on.”
“Yes, Lord.”
“I’ve got to go now. There’s still much for me to do. I love you, John.”
“I love you, too, Lord.”
He closed his eyes and saw the twinkling stars in the desert sky.?UC?
Text 1 John 4:1–6
Beloved, don’t believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit who confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is of God, and every spirit who doesn’t confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is not of God, and this is the spirit of the Antichrist, of whom you have heard that it comes. Now it is in the world already.
You are of God, little children, and have overcome them; because greater is he who is in you than he who is in the world. They are of the world. Therefore they speak of the world, and the world hears them. We are of God. He who knows God listens to us. He who is not of God doesn’t listen to us. By this we know the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error.
For Thought
- Isn’t this a fun scripture? We don’t talk much about “spirits” anymore, do we? First, let’s look at our own spirit: when we doubt — as our subject for this lesson, John the Baptist, doubted in prison (Luke 7:18–35) — is our spirit any less “from God”?
- John says we’re to test the “spirits” we encounter, and the test is very simple: either the spirit believes Jesus came in the flesh or the spirit does not. Is it really that simple? Here are some other scriptures to consider: Acts 5:1–10; Acts 13:4–12; Romans (yes, the whole thing!); Galatians 1:6–10; Philippians 1:15–18.
- You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. We have the ultimate upper hand in dealing with lying spirits. Do we lean on this strength or discard it?
- They are from the world and therefore speak from the viewpoint of the world, and the world listens to them. Listen closely this week — to the television, to the radio. Read closely this week — the internet, the newspaper. Although we live in an “information age,” do we run the risk of falling prey to the spirits that surround us? What can we do about it?
Water to Wine
- Focus this week on acknowledging with your own spirit that Jesus has come in the flesh. Reread the gospel account of your choice and pray often for a deeper understanding of Jesus’ time here on earth.
- Determine where you’re falling prey to “false spirits.” Now, here’s the tough part: Do something about it.
