John 3:26,27,30 – “And they came to John and said to him, “Rabbi, He who was with you beyond the Jordan, to whom you have testified—behold, He is baptizing, and all are coming to Him!” John answered and said, “A man can receive nothing unless it has been given to him from heaven. He must increase, but I must decrease.”
Jesus said that among those born of woman there was not a greater man than John the Baptist. That would look very good on your résumé, to have the Son of God make such a statement about you. Yet John knew what his purpose and mission was while on this Earth. He knew the parameters and didn’t let his fame go to his head. He was here to point people to Jesus. They would ask him if he were the Messiah. He would repeatedly deny it and say there was Someone greater coming after him.
In today’s devotion the report came to John that Jesus was stealing the crowd away. John realized that no one could receive that kind of attention and press unless it had been given from Him above. What a great attitude! And then John’s humility reaches a level that causes us to understand the words of Jesus about His greatness when He says , “He must increase but I must decrease.” He knew his time was up and the baton must be passed.
Dear friend, may we live today with such humility that prefers others above ourselves and causes Heaven to take notice. If mankind doesn’t applaud us and recognize us, Heaven will. And may we understand our mission and purpose while we are here that we may endeavor to live within those parameters that Jesus Christ may be the One who is exalted in the Earth.