This morning's Daily Lesson comes from John chapter 3 verses 25 through 30:
25 Now a discussion about purification arose between John’s disciples and another Jew. 26They came to John and said to him, ‘Rabbi, the one who was with you across the Jordan, to whom you testified, here he is baptizing, and all are going to him.’ 27John answered, ‘No one can receive anything except what has been given from heaven. 28You yourselves are my witnesses that I said, “I am not the Messiah,* but I have been sent ahead of him.” 29He who has the bride is the bridegroom. The friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly at the bridegroom’s voice. For this reason my joy has been fulfilled. 30He must increase, but I must decrease.’
Today is the Feast of the Nativity of St. John the Baptist, and we read about John's ministry, and his understanding of his own role.
John was a tremendous champion for the poor and underprivileged, a prophetic voice, and a real rabble rouser for justice.
John understand his role, and his limitations; and he did not try to be something or someone he was not. John was called as a voice to prepare the way for the coming of the Messiah. He was to anoint the Anointed One. He was not to try to be the Anointed One.
How powerful John's witness was. He plowed the ground. He cleared the field. He called the people to come and behold the lamb.
What he did not do was become petty and jealous, or determine that he had to be in charge.
He was a voice in the wilderness. He pretty stayed in the wilderness, until he was imprisoned.
John was the greatest of all the prophets because he knew his place, he remained faithful to his mission and call, and he didn't mind others taking the lead.
This is why Jesus said, no one born of woman was greater than John.
Ryon Price is Senior Pastor of Broadway Baptist Church in Fort Worth, Texas.
No comments:
Post a Comment