Most days, I feel fairly confident that I know who I am. But then when I make the mistake to use my peripheral vision and start comparing myself, measuring by the yardstick of other people's accomplishments, my insides get all twisted about and I end up knotted and tanged in self-doubt and discouragement. And then whatever task I was working on, or whatever goal was in front of me get's totally lost in the mess of distraction and frustration inside. It's like I can no longer focus because all I can think is that it won't be good enough, because I'm not... all that other person is. But can you imagine... what if the yardstick standing nearby wasn't just some plain ol' Jane. What if instead, it was Jesus! And... Then there arose a dispute... John 3:25 NKJV Because that's a scenario which actually happened. It was a long time ago, mind you. But there were some people who knew John the Baptist and they just did their thing, of stirring up some trouble. They were seemingly traveling back and forth, or at least listening to the talk that was coming from where Jesus was baptizing people in one river and comparing it to the numbers of people that John was baptizing in another. As if Jesus was the newest preacher in town trying to steal the converts from John. And if John hadn't known who he was, and what his message and purpose was with regard to Jesus, then he could have really gotten mixed up. He could have really struggled with doubt and insignificance. Because what if he let those people divide his loyalty from Jesus, rather than stir up his support for Jesus? What if John the Baptist felt that Jesus didn't value him, did't appreciate all that he had done before Jesus came on the scene? Let's sneak up on them and see how he handled it. John answered and said, “A man can receive nothing unless it has been given to him from heaven. You yourselves bear me witness, that I said, ‘I am not the Christ,’ but, ‘I have been sent before Him.’ John 3:27-28 Wow. Sounds to me, like John was pretty clear from the start, before Jesus even showed up, that he had told them he was NOT they one they were waiting for. But that he was only sent to prepare them for the ONE. He who has the bride is the bridegroom; but the friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears Him, rejoices greatly because of the bridegroom’s voice. Therefore this joy of mine is fulfilled. He must increase, but I must decrease. John 2:29-30 Even more impressive. John the Baptist gives them such a great example of Jesus as the groom, but lets them know that even as the friend of the groom, he has a place, he is significant, and he can be joyful about who he is as the friend of the groom. Even in his statement about Jesus increasing and John decreasing, I sense humility but not self-doubt or insignificance. He who comes from above is above all; he who is of the earth is earthly and speaks of the earth. He who comes from heaven is above all. He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him.” John 3:31, 36 John the Baptist clearly knew his purpose. He was to go before Jesus. Not to be pridefully competing for the glory or the numbers, but to point the way to the One who had the power and authority. And John didn't let shallow people who like to stir things up and cause trouble distract him from that purpose. Not in his actions, not in his head. He was focused, directed, purposed and planned. But through it all he remained humble, knowing that... A man can receive nothing unless it has been given to him from heaven. and He who comes from above is above all; he who is of the earth is earthly. Word of God train me today... To give thanks to You first, knowing that all blessings from above are for Your glory. To not be distracted by comparison to others, but rather to stay focused and purposed on the paths You direct in my life.
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January 2019
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