Father, why do I come out so often? I am problematic…putting it mildly… My only hope is claiming John the Baptist’s assertion as recorded in John 3:30, He [the Messiah – Jesus the Christ] must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less. NLT (insertion mine) Father, may it be so in my life…
John 1:15 (<<click here to read the passage)
I was fairly proficient in math in school. I wasn’t super smart by any stretch of the imagination but if I remember correctly that is the one subject that I did not have to take in college in that I tested out of it. Now my son, Massey, has a much better grasp of many mathematical concepts. He actually has a bachelor’s degree in Mathematics along with one in Mechanical Engineering – and of course, his most recent accomplishment, a doctorate in Aerospace Engineering. Mathematics lies at the core of them all. Though I may have been proficient in math, Massey left me in his dust while still in high school!
One thing I still have a firm understanding of is the meaning of these symbols: > and < or greater than and less than respectively.
So, connecting with my opening prayer and interesting enough with today’s passage, here are a couple of equations for you.
Jesus > me……Jesus is greater than me
I < Jesus……I am less than Jesus
I had not read today’s passage before writing my opening prayer. I am certain that God loves bringing those kinds of things together. There are no coincidences with God!
Look once more at John 3:30 in my opening,
Now read John 1:15.
John testified about him when he shouted to the crowds, “This is the one I was talking about when I said, ‘Someone is coming after me who is far greater than I am, for he existed long before me.’” NLT
John (the Apostle) is referring to John (the Baptist) in both passages. As a reminder, John the Baptist was the forerunner of Jesus. Many consider John the Baptist to be the last Old Testament prophet. For over 400 years, God had not used a mouthpiece to communicate His word, but John the Baptist would be the herald of the Messiah!
John the Baptist proclaimed in no uncertain terms that though he was the first to be vocal in that time that he would be followed by someone who in reality proceeded him in time and surpassed him in literally every way! There was boldness but not even a hint of pride. He exuded humility.
Do we do the same? It is so easy in our culture to think more highly of ourselves than we ought to. We can even do it by portraying ourselves as humble but many times it is self-righteous humility. (Can anyone say “oxymoron”?) Oh, woe is me! I am nothing…Hey! Did you hear me? I said I am nothing! Watch! I’m being humble!
Lord Jesus, once again may You become greater and greater. May I earnestly desire to become less and less. No false humility…just the real me seeking to be more like the real You. Amen.
Feb 22nd, 2021, Mon, 7:32 pm
