This hurts me more than . . . ∙

This hurts me more than . . . ∙

For the LORD corrects those he loves, just as a father corrects a child in whom he delights. – Proverbs 3:12

Lamentations 3:31-33

 31 For no one is abandoned by the Lord forever.

 32 Though he brings grief, he also shows compassion because of the greatness of his unfailing love.

 33 For he does not enjoy hurting people or causing them sorrow.

Many of us know the phrase, “This hurts me more than it hurts you.” Parents often utter this statement when administering discipline, such as spanking. However, the validity of this statement from the perspective of the child receiving the discipline is highly doubtful.

The expression, intended to convey a parent’s regret over having to discipline their child, rings a bit hollow. Pain is pain. Pain, whether physical or emotional, is experienced deeply by the child. The physical discomfort of discipline is not painless. On top of that, there is often emotional hurt, which may equal or exceed the physical pain. While the sentiment of the parent is understandable, is it accurate? If the parent were to exchange places with the child, would they agree? Tragically, some parents are simply angry and vindictive and take it out of their kids. How tragic!

When necessary, discipline should always be enveloped in love, reassurance, and comfort to ensure the child understands the context and feels supported throughout the process.

In 1962, the United States discovered, via aerial surveillance, that the Soviet Union was installing missiles capable of striking the US in Cuba. This precipitated the “Cuban Missile Crisis.” President John F. Kennedy announced that he was placing a naval blockade around Cuba to prevent the delivery of any more weapons. A maritime blockade is normally considered an act of war.

During the tense moments of the Cuban Missile Crisis, Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev issued a stark warning that any attempt to intercept Russian ships could lead to war. This period is vividly remembered by many Americans who lived through it as a time of heightened anxiety, with people stocking up on groceries in anticipation of possible conflict.

Ultimately, Khrushchev relented and agreed to dismantle the missile installations in Cuba. A memorable cartoon by Edmund Valtman, published on October 30, 1962, humorously portrayed Khrushchev as a dentist ready to remove missiles, depicted as teeth, from Cuban leader Fidel Castro’s mouth, capturing the relief and absurdity of the moment.

On a more personal and spiritual note, I recognize that trials and tribulations are inherent to life, especially from the perspective of being a child of the King. It is through discipline that the Father molds our character, teaching us patience, fostering a spirit of humility, and nurturing a deeper bond with Him.

However, amidst personal struggles, it is natural and normal to ponder the omnipotence of my heavenly Father, knowing He has the power to stop my suffering at any moment. This leads me to question why He chooses not to intervene immediately. The children of Israel posed this question some 2600 years ago, to which the Father provided an answer.

Ezekiel 18:25 You say, “The Lord isn’t doing what’s right!” Listen to me, O people of Israel. Am I the one not doing what’s right, or is it you?

Every now and then, I wonder if the Father is perhaps more like a marine drill sergeant or inflexible judge rather than a loving, gracious, understanding father. Sometimes, I imagine myself as a nail, and He is the hammer.

It is natural to have these doubts and feelings, but such feelings are totally incorrect and based not on the truth of His Word but on earthly, natural, and demonic wisdom (James 3:15).

The Father takes no pleasure in the death of anyone who dies (Ezekiel 18:32), not to mention suffering.

The Father may allow us to go through tough times, but He does all this to do us “good in the end.” We may not see that good right away, but if we trust Him, He will bless us in His time (Stanley). Enduring difficult times develops obedience and character.

Hebrews 5:8 Even though Jesus was God’s Son, he learned obedience from the things he suffered.

It is way too common for the children of the King to become frustrated and even angry when the Father disciplines them.

REFLECT & PRAY

So often, we ask why. But if we really knew why, would it make any difference? Would anything change? Would it make our circumstances any better? During our difficulties, it seems like they will last forever, but in fact, they are only transitory. Paul calls them “momentary light afflictions” (2 Corinthians 4:17).

Father I recognize that it is so easy for me to doubt You and even think the worst of You. Help me to remember that You are indeed my father, and I am Your beloved child. And to remember that it grieves Your heart when You see me struggle.

INSIGHT

“A Greek boy was expected to ‘work out’ in the gymnasium until he reached his maturity. It was a part of his preparation for adult life. The writer [of the book of Hebrews] viewed the trials of the Christian life as a spiritual discipline that could help a believer mature. Instead of trying to escape the difficulties of life, we should rather be ‘exercised’ by them so that we might grow (Hebrews 12:11)” (Wiersbe).

Hebrews 12:6, 10-11

 6 For the LORD disciplines those he loves, and he punishes each one he accepts as his child.

 10 For our earthly fathers disciplined us for a few years, doing the best they knew how. But God’s discipline is always good for us, so that we might share in his holiness.

 11 No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening – it’s painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way.

The Greek word for discipline is paideuo, which means to child-train. Paideuo originally meant to bring up a child or to educate. It was used as an activity directed toward moral and spiritual nurture. Its goal was to train the child and thus influence his conscious will and action. From a spiritual perspective, it involved guiding and correcting the children of the King to align with biblical truth. The English word pediatrics comes from this Greek word. Pediatrics is the medical specialty dedicated to the health and care of children.

Punishment and discipline are not the same. Punishment looks back and attempts to administer appropriate penalties or consequences for what has occurred. But discipline looks forward. Discipline is child-training. Godly parents provide their children with discipline in love. Sadly, many children of the King lacked one or even both parents who performed biblically-based parenting. Regardless, we are to persevere when we are child-trained.

Hebrews 12:5 He said, My child, don’t make light of the LORD’s discipline and don’t give up when he corrects you.

Child training is intended to humble us. It often brings us to the end of ourselves. It is preparing us for the future and the dream that the Father has for us. Discipline is a part of His loving care for us.

Does discipline “hurt” the Father more than it hurts us?

The Father sent His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, into the world to die on the cross. He had to watch the horror of it all. Was it not horrific when the Lord Jesus Christ bore the weight and punishment of all the sins of the human race? As mere humans, we will never fully comprehend the pain and suffering that both Father and Son went through.

Suffering is not pleasant or easy, but it is part of life in our fallen world. The Father led the Lord Jesus Christ through suffering, and He does the same for every child of the King. The Father’s discipline demonstrates that He loves us rather than a lack thereof.

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© Dr. H 2024

Solid rock or shifting sand ∙

Solid rock or shifting sand ∙

Everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. – Matthew 7:24

Matthew 7:24-27

 24 Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock.

 25 Though the rain comes in torrents and, the floodwaters rise, and the winds beat against that house, it won’t collapse because it is built on bedrock.

 26 But anyone who hears my teaching and doesn’t obey it is foolish, like a person who builds a house on sand.

 27 When the rains and floods come, and the winds beat against that house, it will collapse with a mighty crash.

Standing majestically in Dubai, UAE, the Burj Khalifa claims the title of the world’s tallest building. Construction began on January 6, 2004, and was completed on October 1, 2009. It’s a marvel of modern engineering, towering 2,722 feet with 163 floors.

The foundation of such an immense structure is crucial for its stability. The Burj Khalifa’s deep, firm foundation consists of 192 piles of steel and concrete that go nearly 17 stories into the ground.

Choosing the right location is paramount in construction. You need to build down to build up. It begins with a suitable location. Who would be moronic enough to build in a flood zone or a dried-up riverbed? The ultimate folly found in construction is giving no thought to the location or foundation.

This principle of building on a solid foundation applies equally to spiritual formation. A robust and dynamic spiritual life also demands a strong base. Unfortunately, many overlook the importance of establishing this foundation and never seriously consider it. They are embarking on their spiritual journey without direction. They start building haphazardly, a little here and a little there. When the storms of life come, it can lead to disaster.

Making informed decisions starts with asking the right questions. What is the basis of your life? Is your information accurate and proven to be reliable over time? Can your chosen foundation genuinely support your well-being?

While advice is abundant, not all of it is beneficial. Bad, paltry advice is even more plentiful. Some suggest following one’s passion, while others advocate pursuing wealth and material success as a path to comfort and security. Some recommend seeking love and finding the right person as the ultimate goal. However, given our imperfect nature and flawed world, even the soundest advice may be limited.

Every child of the King should diligently seek the best, wisest counsel available. Choose your advisors well. The Scriptures abound with narratives of individuals who have thrived under wise counsel. The Father and His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, have a solid track record that stretches through the ages.

The Lord Jesus Christ provides the best of all counsel. He offers unparalleled advice. Listening to His teaching and acting upon it allows for a sure foundation for life.

REFLECT & PRAY

“It begins with a suitable location.. Those who obey out of love for Jesus build a solid life for themselves of strength and endurance. Terrible storms may hit them, but they can never destroy them.” (Stanley).

Father help me hear, reflect upon, and obey the words of the Lord Jesus Christ.

INSIGHT

The Sermon on the Mount was given near the Sea of Galilee. The soil surrounding the Sea of Galilee consists of alluvial sand. It was hard on the surface during the heat of summer. But during the winter, when rains came, the alluvial surface of sand would become soggy and unstable. However, there was bedrock approximately 10 feet below the surface of the sand. To build a stable structure, a wise builder had only to dig down to the bedrock and begin there.

“Houses built on bedrock would be able to withstand the floods. Excavations in the late 1970s in the region uncovered basalt stone bedrock that was apparently used for the foundation of a building in antiquity” (Wilkins).

Before the era of modern technology brought the threat of nuclear annihilation and existential fears, natural disasters loomed as humanity’s paramount concern. The Ancient Middle East was subject to periodic famines and earthquakes, but floods were the most common and frequent natural catastrophes. This is the cultural background and context in which the Lord Jesus Christ delivered his message. His audience knew well the dangers of building on a poor foundation.

Matthew 7:24-26

 24 Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock.

 26 But anyone who hears my teaching and doesn’t obey it is foolish, like a person who builds a house on sand.

What does it mean to build your life on solid rock? When the Lord Jesus Christ closed the sermon on the Mount with the parable of the builders and the foundations, He did not pull any punches. His words were direct, plain, and clear when He spoke, penetrating the soul and spirit. They are intended to create a bit of discomfort, stimulate reflection, and spur self-evaluation.

Nothing has changed.

Lord Jesus Christ describes two individuals: one had chosen wisely, and the other had been a fool. The Greek word translated as a fool is moro. Moro describes someone devoid of wisdom, good sense, or sound judgment. The English word moron is derived from moro.

He explained that the wise man dug deep until reaching the bedrock, after which he constructed his home on a stable foundation. Conversely, the foolish man built a similar structure on the sand. The foundation of one man’s house is solid, and that of the other is unreliable. The onset of heavy rains and subsequent flooding reveal the quality of the foundation upon which the structure was built. The fool’s thinking was literally way too shallow.

“The man who builds his house upon the shifting foundation is likened to the person who hears Jesus’ words but does not put them into practice. The man who builds his house upon the rock is likened to the person who not only hears Jesus’ words but also puts them into practice. The difference between the two houses is, therefore, likened to the difference between obedience and disobedience” (Carson).

Becoming familiar with the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ is crucial. But familiarity and even agreement with Him are insufficient. It is one thing to hear and even approve of what He said; it is quite another to obey and put it into practice.

Listeners to His words are at a crossroads: they can either embrace and act upon His guidance or reject it and turn away. There are no other options. There is no middle ground. The storms of life reveal the strength of the foundation upon which we have built our lives.

The Word of God is the owner’s manual for the human race. We “do” His words by making them our guidebook, our manual for life, and building our lives upon them.

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© Dr. H 2022

We were once dead ∙∙

We were once dead ∙∙

Once you were dead because of your disobedience and your many sins. – Ephesians 2:1

Ephesians 2:1-10

 1 And you were dead in your trespasses and sins.

 4 But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much,

 5 that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!)

 10 For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.

The mention of cancer often elicits intense fear and anxiety. However, it’s important to note that our immune systems are inherently equipped to combat cancer effectively. A healthy immune system routinely identifies and eradicates cancer cells. Conversely, a weakened immune system allows cancer to proliferate and pose a significant threat to life.

Every normal cell in our body has a built-in termination date. When they are no longer needed, they commit suicide. This is also called Programmed Cell Death (PCD). However, some cells are abnormal and do not die off. They continue to divide and multiply indefinitely. The term “cancer” refers to the unchecked growth of deviant cells that refuse to die.

For those diagnosed with cancer, the realization of their condition and its potential lethality without treatment is daunting. Yet, in the modern era, early detection and appropriate medical intervention make survival possible.

Sadly, many people think of sin in much the same way they think of the early stages of cancer. They underestimate its severity. They may be ill, but they will probably survive.

However, the Bible offers a starkly different perspective on sin. It doesn’t equate sin with an illness that can be treated or a fatal disease that will eventually lead to death. This may surprise you. But what comes next is even more surprising.

All of the descendants of Adam and Eve are fallen creatures and inherit human sin in the same way they acquire DNA from their parents. When they inherit sin, they inherit death!

Ephesians 2:1 Once you were dead because of your disobedience and your many sins.

It’s conceivable that, in the future, medical science will find a cure for cancer. But there is absolutely nothing that sinful people can do to cure sin. It may sound extraordinary, but at the moment we are born and breathe our first breath of life, we are already dead.

What people could never accomplish; the Father God has accomplished!

Ephesians 2:4-5

 4 But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much,

 5 that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!)

That is one of the remarkable miracles the Father has done on behalf of each child of the King and explained in His word. Why would the Father do such a wonderful thing for us? It was part of His plan for all children of the King from the beginning.

REFLECT & PRAY

The Father has mapped out a spiritual path for every child of the King to follow. It is our responsibility to allow Him to show us His path for us. We need only accept His path as our path.

Father thank You that although I was completely dead in my sins and transgressions, You chose to make me alive. Help me to see myself as You see me, a masterpiece in the making.

INSIGHT

But there’s more. The Father has great dreams and plans for each child of the King. Now that we are alive, He is at work in us to fulfill those dreams and plans. He never makes mistakes! Often, it may seem that way to us, but that’s only the way it seems. “God doesn’t make junk” (Ethel Waters).

Ephesians 2:10 For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.

The word translated as masterpiece, handiwork, or, more commonly, workmanship comes from the Greek noun poiema. It is derived from the Greek verb poieo, a common word translated as do or make. The English word “poem” is derived from this Greek word. Each child of the King is one of His intelligently conceived poems.

When the Father looks at one of His children, He sees the finished product of His artistic creativity. On planet Earth, we are a work in progress. But from His perspective, His work is already finished, and we are a completed masterpiece, a work of art. The Father is the great master artist, and each of us, while on earth, is one of His unfinished canvases.

But to what end? The Father has a purpose for each of His spiritual poems, His works of art. He has created us anew in the Lord Jesus Christ so we can do the good things He planned for us long ago. – Ephesians 2:10

Our task is to do good all the days of our lives. Because of our new life in the Lord Jesus Christ, we are now the “living dead.” As such, we are to do good for the benefit of others and the Father’s kingdom. That is precisely what He is equipping us to do.

From the Father’s eternal perspective, His work in us is already finished, and our work for Him is already completed.

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© Dr. H 2024

The God of all comfort ∙

The God of all comfort ∙

God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. – 2 Corinthians 1:3

Romans 15:1-7

 2 We should help others do what is right and build them up in the Lord.

 4 Such things were written in the Scriptures long ago to teach us. And the Scriptures give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for God’s promises to be fulfilled.

 5 May God, who gives this patience and encouragement, help you live in complete harmony with each other, as is fitting for followers of Christ Jesus.

 6 Then all of you can join together with one voice, giving praise and glory to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

 7 Therefore, accept each other just as Christ has accepted you so that God will be given glory.

Comfort Keepers is a leading provider of in-home, non-medical care for seniors and other adults who need assistance with daily activities. Their goal is to provide care and comfort to loved ones who need extra assistance in the comfort and familiarity of their own home for as long as safely possible. This is a dream come true for many elders.

Through their unique approach to caregiving, known as Interactive Caregiving™, their comfort keepers (caregivers) provide professional in-home care services with a personal touch. The comfort keepers cultivate genuine friendships with their clients, addressing their emotional and social needs. Their services include help with cooking, housekeeping, and personal care.

Since its establishment in 1998, Comfort Keepers has expanded to over 700 locations worldwide. For ten consecutive years, INC. Magazine has recognized Comfort Keepers as a world-class franchise and listed it among the fastest-growing franchises.

Our merciful Father is the God of all comfort. He has promised to comfort those in need, as a loving mother comforts her child.

Isaiah 66:13 I will comfort you as a mother comforts her child.

When comforted by the Father, those whom He comforts are prepared to comfort others in the same way we have been comforted. The Father has had a worldwide comfort-giving network in place for millennia. His network consists of all children of the King who have received His comfort.

2 Corinthians 1:3-4

 3 All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort.

 4 He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.

Each child of the King is to be a comfort courier.

REFLECT & PRAY

So often, we have a misconception of what the Father is like. He’s not a vindictive judge out to punish the children of the King. He is “not called the Father of judgments or vengeances but the Father of all mercies and comfort” (Bernard).

Father thank You for being my comforter and my encourager. Thank you for providing me with strength in moments of weakness and despair. Empower me to offer comfort to others, mirroring the comfort You have graciously extended to me.

INSIGHT

In 2 Corinthians 1:3, the Father God is identified as the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort. This designation, “Father of mercies,” has been translated as “the all-merciful Father” (NEB), “a gentle Father” (JB), and simply “the merciful Father” (Knox).

The Greek word for mercies, merciful, or compassion is oiktirmos. Oiktirmos is a rare word only used five times in the New Testament. Oiktirmos is a deep awareness of and sympathy for others who suffer. The root Greek term oiktos means lamenting or regretting a person’s misfortune or death, then metaphorically sympathy or pity. Oiktirmos is typically translated as mercy, compassion, pity, and sympathy.

The Greek word translated as comfort is paraklesis. Paraklesis is comfort given to strengthen and establish. It involves exhortation, encouragement, and admonition. Paraklesis comes from the same Greek root that designates the Holy Spirit, the Paraclete, Comforter, Helper (John 14:16, 26; 15:26; 16:7)

The Father is concerned for the welfare of all the children of the King. He is not merely called the Father of mercies and God of all comfort. He is the Father of mercies and God of all comfort. He is the embodiment of these roles. He demonstrates Who and What He is in the actions He performs. He provides comfort and consolation through decisive intervention in real time.

“God’s comfort strengthens weak knees and sustains sagging spirits so that one faces the troubles of life with unbending resolve and unending assurance” (Garland). Comfort not only connotes emotional relief and a sense of well-being, physical ease, satisfaction, and freedom from pain and anxiety. But it is so much more. The English word comfort is derived from the Latin term confortare, which means “to strengthen much.” It is composed of the Latin com + fortis. Fortis means brave, strong, or courageous. This is the kind of comfort that Paul has in mind (Garland). He not only comforts and encourages us, but He also makes us stronger in the process.

“The supreme result of all this is that we gain the power to comfort others who are going through it. Paul claims that the things which have happened to him and the comfort which he has received have made him able to be a source of comfort to others . . .. It is worthwhile experiencing suffering and sorrow if that experience will enable us to help others struggling with the stormy seas of life” (Barclay).

“J. M. Barrie tells how his mother lost her dearest son, and then he says: ‘That is where my mother got her soft eyes and why other mothers ran to her when they had lost a child.’” (Barclay). We are enabled to comfort others because of the comfort that we received in our times of trial and suffering. The Lord Jesus Christ shows us the way.

Hebrews 2:18 Since he himself has gone through suffering and testing, he is able to help us when we are being tested.

The Father lovingly prunes us through the process of suffering and comfort. “Pruning means cutting, reshaping, and removing what diminishes vitality. When we look at a pruned vineyard, we can hardly believe it will bear fruit. But when harvest time comes, we realize that the pruning enabled the vine to concentrate its energy and produce more grapes than it could have had it remained unpruned. Grateful people are those who can celebrate even the pains of life because they trust that when harvest time comes, the fruit will show that the pruning was not punishment but purification” (Nouwen).

The Father has commissioned every child of the King to be a comforter courier. He comforts us so that we may be able to comfort others. We are to pay it forward.

2 Corinthians 1:4 He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.

“We are not comforted to be comfortable but to be comforters” (BBC).

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© Dr. H 2024

We can only receive what God gives ∙

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).

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© Dr. H 2024