We can only receive what God gives ∙
God sent a man, John the Baptist, to tell about the light so that everyone might believe because of his testimony. – John 1:6-7
John 3:22-30
22 Then Jesus and his disciples left Jerusalem and went into the Judean countryside. Jesus spent some time with them there, baptizing people.
23 At this time John the Baptist was baptizing at Aenon, near Salim, because there was plenty of water there; and people kept coming to him for baptism.
24 (This was before John was thrown into prison.)
25 A debate broke out between John’s disciples and a certain Jew over ceremonial cleansing.
26 So John’s disciples came to him and said, “Rabbi, the man you met on the other side of the Jordan River, the one you identified as the Messiah, is also baptizing people. And everybody is going to him instead of coming to us.”
27 John replied, “No one can receive anything unless God gives it from heaven.
28 You yourselves know how plainly I told you, “I am not the Messiah. I am only here to prepare the way for him.”
29 It is the bridegroom who marries the bride, and the best man is simply glad to stand with him and hear his vows. Therefore, I am filled with joy at his success.
30 He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less.
George Washington set a precedent by gracefully stepping down and passing the mantle of leadership to the incoming president, John Adams. From his late 20s, Washington had always preferred the tranquility of private life over the demands of public service. Even after retiring from his role in the Virginia militia, the call to lead the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War saw him reluctantly return to public life.
Upon the Revolutionary War ended, Washington eagerly relinquished his commission and returned to his private life, intent on never wielding power again. However, the people of the United States would have none of it. The Founding Fathers called on him to once again be their leader. After serving two terms, Washington chose not to seek re-election, demonstrating his humility and setting a powerful example by stepping down willingly.
On September 19, 1796, Washington delivered his Farewell Address, a significant moment in American history. In this address, he shared his decision to retire to Mount Vernon, emphasizing his desire for a private life and setting a high standard for future presidencies. Washington was acutely aware of the precedents his actions would establish. He aimed to prevent the presidency from becoming a lifelong position or a monarchy, striving instead for a legacy of democratic governance and peaceful transitions of power.
His Farewell Address played a crucial role in shaping the tradition of peaceful power transfer that has endured for over two centuries, marking a foundational principle of American democracy.
John the Baptist had an extraordinary attitude. He recognized that the Father gives different missions to different children of the King. The Father assigned John and the Lord Jesus Christ significantly different responsibilities. There was no reason for competition or envy. Knowing who we are and what specific area of service the Father has designated allows us to embrace our roles joyfully. We can delight in serving the Father and find meaning and fulfillment in our assignment.
The disciples of John the Baptist were loyal and deeply devoted. They were protective of him and sought to safeguard his area of service. They felt that the Lord Jesus Christ was intruding into John’s turf. Large crowds were now coming to the Lord Jesus Christ. Close your eyes. Can you see John’s whiny, complaining disciples grumbling and discontent? Look a little closer and see John standing there resolutely and gently soothing their concerns gracefully, calming them down. It was easy for them to harbor resentment. But the time had come to let go of the things they needed to relinquish.
John clearly understood his purpose and mission. He was the forerunner of the Messiah. The Father sent him into the world to announce the coming of His Son. John knew full well that he was not the Messiah. He was sent as a messenger to announce His arrival. As the Messiah’s coming drew near, John recognized that his assignment as the forerunner was ending.
“John’s consciousness of the subordinate and temporary character of his mission was expressed in the single sentence” (Tenney).
John 3:30 He must increase, but I must decrease.
John was fully conscious that his mission was nearing its end. With this awareness, he gracefully stepped aside. He understood that his time in the limelight was over.
John 5:35-38
35 John was like a burning and shining lamp, and you were excited for a while about his message.
36 But I have a greater witness than John – my teachings and my miracles. The Father gave me these works to accomplish, and they prove that he sent me.
37 And the Father who sent me has testified about me himself. You have never heard his voice or seen him face to face,
38 and you do not have his message in your hearts, because you do not believe me– the one he sent to you.
REFLECT & PRAY
When we allow the Lord Jesus Christ to occupy His proper place in our lives, everything else comes together.
Father how often have I put myself first and focused on my needs and wants? Help me to look outside of myself to You.
INSIGHT
John the Baptist epitomized a life devoid of envy or jealousy. He was born to prepare the way of the Lord. He embodied true humility by understanding his role and finding joy in helping others succeed in their efforts. He recognized the distinction between being a bridegroom and being a friend of a bridegroom. But
John drew upon the poignant Jewish tradition of the shoshben. The shoshben was the groom’s closest friend and was responsible for arranging the wedding details and safeguarding the bridal chamber. This role is akin to what we know today as the best man at a wedding in American culture. John sees himself as playing the role of “the friend of the bridegroom.” Competition between the groom and the friend of the groom was unthinkable.
After successfully uniting the bride and groom, the best man’s job was considered complete. He eagerly waited to hear the bridegroom’s voice from within the bridal chamber when, for the first time, the bride dropped her veil. I can only imagine the bridegroom saying something like, “How lovely!” The bridegroom’s friend then went away rejoicing, for his mission was accomplished, and the lovers were together (Barclay).
In answer to their complaints, it would have been very easy for John to feel injured, neglected, and unjustifiably forgotten. But John was above that. His credo was extraordinary.
John 3:27 No one can receive anything unless God gives it from heaven.
The Lord Jesus Christ told His disciples three things.
1) John told them that He never expected anything else.
2) No man could receive more than what the Father gave him.
3) John called Jesus the bridegroom and himself the friend of the bridegroom.
Once his mission was accomplished, John the Baptist willingly and joyfully stepped back from the limelight and prominence of center stage.
Imagine the jealousies, the heartaches, and the bitterness that every child of the King could avoid if we simply acknowledged that the success of others is a gift bestowed upon them by the Father (Barclay).
¯\_(ツ)_/¯ 12-22-1
© Dr. H 2024
Dr H Reflections 