WATCHWORD:
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 bridegroom’s friend 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. John 3:25-30
Meditation:
We Must Decrease
In this scripture passage, John is answering his worried disciples that everything he had was given by God, a gift. Even they, who followed John, likewise, were gifts from God and as gifts, they had a purpose, for which they should be grateful. John knew who he was, he was not the Christ. He tried to make that clear.
In the Jewish wedding customs of that day, the friend of the bridegroom served as a combination of best man and wedding planner; they arranged everything, and wanted no attention. John saw his role was to bring two people together; Christ and His bride, all believers.
In our societal mind-set we think we know what a bridegroom is but in Biblical terms, it means that Jesus is God. In the Old Testament, it was only Yahweh who was the husband of Israel, and John knew that very well.
His message, He must increase, but I must decrease, is to us. When I watch televangelists, my skepticism gets in the way of their message. The ego that too often struts upon the stage, the telecasts whose purpose is to sell books, the programming that is presented with constant advertising, the hollow promises. I know that I’m a skeptic, but didn’t Jesus throw the likes of these out of the temple?
I read more credibility into the words of Max Lucado, David Jeremiah, Joyce Meyer and Robert Morris, because their genuineness and their Biblical knowledge comes across. I know that each of them is a corporation. Yes, they’re selling their books, as well as their programming, and that probably makes me a hypocrite, but it’s that kind of income that keeps them on the air and able to reach out to the likes of you and me. But…
Four years ago, I wrote an essay entitled ‘Pastor Noah Tal and Book 14’. It tells the simple tale of a student taking instruction from his pastor, and over the years had been encouraged to buy the Pastor’s books. Here is an excerpt from that essay:
‘I raised my hand and said “Pastor Tal, I’m confused. I have read your books, and I like them. I’ve also been reading Paul’s letters to the churches. Time after time the apostle refers to love as being the greatest. I wonder, Pastor, where love fits into God’s message that He’s sharing with you, which you then share with us in all of those books we bought.”
“Ah, child, I understand your confusion. Sometimes when we look at parts of a complicated issue we miss the whole picture… Love is definitely a part of God’s message to us, but it is only part of it. All the pieces of God’s sacred puzzle I will assemble with clarity. This will all be laid out in Book 14. Have patience, my child, and get your order in, for this book will prepare you, and you don’t want to miss God’s complete message.”
John tells his disciples that Jesus is the real deal. Follow Him. If you want book learning on Biblical stuff, I have a recommendation for you. It’s called The Holy Bible. Front to back, it’s the story of God and all the answers are right there. If getting your lessons through the television is your choice, then do so with the Life Manual (The Holy Bible) in your hand and please, don’t take their word for important lessons until you verify them in the Answer Book, that’s right, the Holy Bible. So be it, my friends.
Bulletin Board:
“Such a Time as This” – I was reminded of this phrase by a friend who said, ‘This faith of ours, and this situation we find ourselves in, is God reminding us that we are positioned where we are for such a time as this. God said that. Esther 4:14, For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?’ Time to be bold, strong, courageous, and Trust the Lord.
Mother’s Day is Sunday – Celebrate them mothers!
Closing Prayer:
(From Mother Teresa of Calcutta)
May, today, there be peace within you.
May you trust God, that you are exactly where you are meant to be.
May you not forget the infinite possibilities,
that are born of faith.
May you use those gifts that you have received,
and pass on the love that has been given to you.
May you be content knowing that you are a child of God.
Let His presence settle into your bones,
and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance,
and to bask in the sun.
It is there for each and every one of you.
Amen
