The language of poetry, Lord, enables us
To attempt an expression, in mere words, of
The inexpressible glory that is your Love for us.

This gift of language, Lord, is
Marvellous in it's many-faceted
Modes of expression.

Word, music, pictorial representation,
Mathematics, the physical sciences,
Each contributes a small facet of your glory.

The effective use of these gifts is
For the wise to explore as best they can,
And so share understanding with all of us.

But, all too often, we have been
Unclean and foolish in our misuse
Of the gifts that you have given.

We need your saving, enabling presence
To open our eyes and unstop our ears
That our blundering ways may cease.

Your faithfulness, Lord, is amazing.
The vast aeons of our 'space-time' almost
Overwhelm the mind.

Our faithlessness, Lord, is utterly inexcusable,
Oppression, greed and exploitation quite
Overwhelm our spirit.

Your love for us, Lord, is utterly tremendous.
Salvation in Christ, Inspiration by your Spirit
Restores body, mind and soul.

Patience is not in our nature, Lord. We are a 'quick-fix' generation. 'Sound-bite' solutions and universal panaceas are much more our mark. However when we look carefully at your Word-in-Christ we find that you are counselling us to be careful, prayerful and patient in our interpreting of prophecies. Thus it behoves us to look again at what you have shown us, in your Creation, in Christ and through your Holy spirit. These will then enable us to have that patient trust which is so lacking in our generation.

We were taught that it was wrong to have doubts. These implied a serious lack of faith. But when the things I am being taught offend my understanding of what is reasonable, then doubt, or questioning, is the only way to approach an answer. The important feature to remember is to have an open mind and to listen, carefully to the answers given.
These questions by John were very proper. Jesus' answer, "look at the evidence" is the best answer that can be given!