June 16 Daily Devotional

Bible Reading

Devotional

Individuals who are first introduced to the Christian faith often respond with great energy and enthusiasm. Full of eagerness they get involved in the work of the church. Yet, as time moves on, they are bound to face challenges and situations that may threaten their joy and confidence in the Lord. Their initial enthusiasm can easily turn into despondency.

As we make our journey through life we are frequently disappointed by the behaviour of other people. We have high expectations when we first come to know an individual, or elect them to a position of public trust, but now we feel quite differently about them. Perhaps we feel disappointed with our parents, our spouse, an individual sitting close to us in church. If disappointment isn’t reined in and brought under control it can easily lead to bitterness and resentment.

People are bound to let us down because of their failings and shortcomings. Our disappointments can also be the result of our own unreasonable expectations, misconceptions or disillusionment. When we open our Bibles and turn to Luke 7:18–23 we are told about John the Baptist who expresses his unhappiness and disappointment about the ministry of Jesus. From his prison cell he sends a delegation of disciples to Jesus who ask, “Are You the Coming One, or do we look for another?” But why is John so disappointed? If he does not accept Christ’s ministry, who will?

John led a life of seclusion out in the wilderness. He had very little contact with Jesus and was arrested by Herod shortly after Jesus began His public ministry. We are not given any record that Jesus ever visited John while he was in prison. The primary explanation of John’s disappointment in the ministry of Christ stems from a difference in approach. John had expected Christ’s ministry to be similar to his own, calling people to repentance. When he saw Jesus’ ministry of love, he became uncertain and disappointed.

We put ourselves in a very vulnerable position if our expectations of Christ’s work in the life of others are unreasonable and unrealistic. Let us be careful that we do not expect more of our spouse, children and members of the church than Christ does.