Scripture:
John 3:25-30 ESV
[25] Now, a discussion arose between some of John’s disciples and a Jew over purification. [26] And they came to John and said to him, “Rabbi, he who was with you across the Jordan, to whom you bore witness—look, he is baptizing, and all are going to him.” [27] John answered, “A person can not receive even one thing unless it is given him from heaven. [28] You yourselves bear me witness, that I said, ‘I am not the Christ, but I have been sent before him.’ [29] The one who has the bride is the bridegroom. The friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly at the bridegroom’s voice. Therefore, this joy of mine is now complete. [30] He must increase, but I must decrease.”
Observation:
John’s disciples found themselves gaining a lot of recognition at one point, then Jesus came on the scene, and things started to change. The people started to go to HIM. John’s men were a little displeased with that they started to talk about it and decided to bring it to John’s attention. Thinking that he would do something about it. I’m sure what they got surprised them. You see, John knew the plan all along. He knew his position was not permanent it was temporary. He knew that his job was to prepare the way. Not build a monument for himself. But to build a road to the cross. The answer he gave the men he was teaching reflected that. It’s not about me, he said. Then he explained. I don’t need the spotlight. Yes, I want it to shine, but let’s make sure it’s shining on HIM. John knew the signs of a true leader were not the ability to monopolize the position but to yield it to a more qualified person. In the end, he stated that I needed to fade into the back seat because this is what Jesus came for. It wasn’t John’s job to hold the position he was built to prepare the position for the one it was made for.
Application:
We have been trained all our lives to strive for a spot, and when we get that spot, DON’T LET GO. Well, I want to challenge your thinking. What if leading meant serving? Are you willing to step back? Or is your grip so tight that you can’t see the more qualified person is Jesus? I may shock you with this next statement, but you have to hear it… none of this is about you… it’s not about me. In fact, it’s it’s not about any of us. It’s all about Jesus. Without HIM, there is no us. The next thing I want to say is that Jesus gave us a great example of what it looks like to lead. By stepping back as a servant. HE took off HIS outer garment wrapped a towel around HIMSELF, and served HIS men. HE (GOD in Flesh) was willing to step back. Jesus HIMSELF knew HE needed to step back to lead. Now to the meat. The Bible tells us that the humble will be elevated and the pride will be leveled. The question is, where do you want to be in all this? Are you looking for a position, and if so, are you willing to surrender that position? Abraham was given a promise, but he never got to see it. He paved the way for Isaac and paved the way for Jacob, who later became Isreal. The father of many nations. My challenge is this approach every position as though you were paving the way for the next guy. GOD has not only you in mind but generations to come, and remember it’s not about you. We are only clay pots. The treasure is Jesus. HE is the way the truth and the light NO one comes to the Father but through HIM. Allowing yourself to decrease will allow HIM to increase. No one comes to the Father unless HE draws them. So that being said… we have nothing to do with it.
Prayer:
Father, we love you, and we know this life is all about you. Every step we have taken has made a way for the next guy. You are a generational GOD. You see us and have called us out by name with our sons and daughters in mind. You see the end from the middle. Please allow us to know that you are always in our future saying come follow me. This life is not about us it was given to us so that you could have glory from the victory you won for us at the cross. Help us to set ourselves aside and focus on what you want and the path you have for us. We pray that we will remain in your will. We love you and lift up our lives to you. It’s in the mighty name of Jesus we pray amen.