Father, as we anticipate another wintery blast tonight after so many days enjoying the beauty of spring may we not be dependent on warmth anywhere but in Your presence. We find security in Your love and the sacrifice that enabled us to embrace it. Amen.
John 3:22-30 (<<click here to read the passage)
There is a pastoral acquaintance of mine whom I hold in the highest regard. He has been serving at a nice size church not too awful far away from where I am. He is young. He is creative. He has a charisma about him that makes people want to get on board and follow him wherever he may lead. He is inspirational in the way he leads his parish and to his fellow pastors…at least to me.
I would guess that I am 15 to 20 years his senior and though I have faithfully served my one church for almost twenty years, I’ve seen nothing take place as he has. In a lot of ways, it’s an apples to oranges comparison, and really it is not fair to even begin comparing them to each other.
He and I are different people with different gifts and abilities. Our congregations differ as well. It would be so easy to feel downhearted or, even worse, jealous of what he has accomplished in just a few years. But I don’t feel that way.
If anything, it brings me great joy to see him at his calling (I’ve watched a few of his virtual services). He is exuberant and in reality, it is contagious! It is exceedingly obvious that the Lord is with him. The genuineness of his faith in Christ exudes a glorious life that one cannot help but be drawn, too. I pray the Lord continues to fill and bless his ministry for years to come!
John was first on the scene, as well. At this point in his life, Jesus was moving forward with His calling and John’s ministry was shifting. Unbeknownst to him, very soon his life would be forfeit much in part because of his obedience to his calling.
But, please note, he most definitely was not discouraged and the green tinge of envy coloring nothing of his persona whatsoever. John’s reply when Jesus’ success was brought to his attention?
“No one can receive anything unless God gives it from heaven. You yourselves know how plainly I told you, ‘I am not the Messiah. I am only here to prepare the way for him.’ 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. He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less.” John 3:27-30 AMP
Lord Jesus, may we avoid feeding jealousy in our lives. May we instead focus on the calling You have given us and be filled with joy at the success You give to others. Each of us has our callings to fulfill! Amen.
Apr 20th, 2021, 7:55 pm
