John 3:22-36
God called John the Baptist to "...make ready a people prepared for the Lord." (Luke 1:17). It is encouraging to see in this Scripture that John kept on in obedience to God's calling. After the privilege of baptizing Jesus, he didn't rest on that accomplishment, or consider his work finished.
John's disciples are quick to tell him (John 3:26) that there is competition. "...that man who was with you on the other side of the Jordan- the one you testified about - well, he is baptizing and everyone is going to him." ( Please look ahead here to John 4:2 where it tells us that it wasn't Jesus baptizing, but His disciples). John's disciples are concerned - everyone is going to Jesus, instead of John.
Did they still think there was a possibility that John was the Messiah? John is quick to remind them, "You yourselves can testify that I said, 'I am not the Christ but am sent ahead of him'."
He tells them, "The bride belongs to the bridegroom. The friend who attends the bridegroom waits and listens for him, and is full of joy when he hears the bridegroom's voice." John the Baptist knew his role - friend of the bridegroom - not the bridegroom. His joy is complete - he's heard the Bridegroom!
John the Baptist was diligent in obeying God's call. He continued to be "...the voice of one calling in the desert, 'Make straight the way for the Lord'." Jesus was there, John continued to point the people in His direction. He wasn't defeated by "everyone going" to Jesus because that was the eternal plan and John knew his part in it.
John's life is an example that teaches us to obey God's call, to keep serving diligently, and to always remember our part in the plan - pointing others to Jesus!
John said, "A man can only receive what is given him from heaven." The Lord has given us all gifts and each their own plan and purpose. Remember, we are like puzzle pieces that fit together perfectly to make a beautiful picture. But no one piece is more important than the other. We all serve the Lord in different ways. One may be a pastor or worship leader and be seen by many, or someone may be a pray warrior at home on their knees without an audience. Is one job more important than the other? Sometimes we get envious of the one who is getting all the attention and praise like John's disciples did. But there is no room for jealousy in God's kingdom. John knew that and was overjoyed in Jesus' success. John wanted Jesus center stage with all the glory directed at Him. Our church is preparing for a Christmas play. Some of us are the actors, some behind the scenes, but our pray and heart's desire is for Jesus be the director, that He would have the spotlight, not us, and that people's hearts would be touched and hear the true Christmas message and receive God's gift of His Son.
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