Ever feel a bit nervous when you find out someone has been talking about you behind your back? I certainly do and yet you would think by now I would be less insecure. Truth be told, our stories are told by many people. It is often a good thing- I meet so many new friends simply because you might have told my story and suggested a connection would be helpful.

Friday morning my prayers led me down a gentle path of Advent reflection about the Jesus who talks about us behind our backs. John the Baptizer was languishing in prison for his challenges to religious and political authority. He was suffering doubts about whether his life’s work had been wasted on Jesus’ developing ministry.

Jesus sent a message of assurance to John and then turned to those around him to say, “No one in history is greater than John the Baptist; yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.” Jesus waxed eloquent about John’s rough hewn prophetic work – the stark contrast to his own style of ministry.

When John was unsure about Jesus, Jesus was sure about John. When we are most unsure, our God is sure about us.

A Prayer for Today

God, I wonder if anyone ever told John what Jesus said about him. Thank you that even in my moments of self-doubt, serious reversal of fortune or high insecurity you are still sure about me. Thank you for giving me the help I need when I need it….For Jesus’ sake