But the truth is…

…blessed is the one who isn’t offended by me. (Luke 7:23)

One thing I’ve been thinking about lately is spiritual warfare. It’s what we’re going to be talking about the next few Sundays in my church, for that matter.

And in thinking about our Enemy, it strikes me that one of his biggest weapons is deceit, lies. Jesus in fact calls him the “father of lies.” (John 8:44)

Satan was certainly wielding that weapon against John the Baptist.

“Your life was a waste. Here you are in prison, and what did you really accomplish? You proclaimed this Jesus as Messiah, but is he really? He certainly isn’t doing anything to free Israel from the Romans. And he’s doing nothing to free you from Herod. You’re still here, aren’t you?”

Lies mixed with truth can be a very effective weapon.

And so John sent messengers to Jesus saying, “Are you really the one we’re looking for? Or shall we wait for another?”

Jesus’ answer? He starts healing people left and right. Casting out demons. Preaching the gospel.

Then he essentially says to John, “You’re disappointed in me. I’m not what you expected because I’m not doing anything about the Romans.

“But the truth is, I am the Messiah, and I’m doing everything Scripture said I would.

“So don’t lose heart thinking your work was in vain. Hold on to the truth. I am the truth. Blessed is the person who doesn’t stumble because of me.”

When Satan attacks us with his lies, when we’re struggling in our Christian walk and we’re feeling disappointed by Jesus, doubting his goodness toward us, let us break out of our cycle of pain and doubt and declare, “I may feel this way, but the truth is Jesus is good. He is who he says he is. And he loves me.”

But above all, remember that Jesus himself is the truth.

And the truth is, if we put our trust in him, we will never be put to shame. (Romans 10:11, 1 Peter 2:6)