The new guy is getting all the attention

John 3:22-30

We are told a discussion arose between some of John’s disciples and a Jew over purification.  “And they came to John and said to him, “Rabbi, he who was with you across the Jordan, to whom you bore witness – look, he is baptizing, and all are going to him.”  It is so important to understand what is being said; “We have a problem, the new guy is getting all the attention.”   The “Forerunner” and we are not talking about Toyota automobiles had this to say: “A person cannot receive even one thing unless it is given him from heaven.”  Wow, not one thing unless it is given to us from heaven, do you believe that?  Most Christians if asked that question in a church setting, would answer in the affirmative, but do you really believe what the Scripture has stated; not one thing unless it is given to you by God.  Before you run to all the stuff you have and the savings you have accumulated, ask a couple of questions, who is my Designer, why did the Designer make so many of the same models, but each one has different gifts and abilities and some have been given good health and some have not, some have been placed in poor areas of the world and others have not, and the answer is the Designer has a master plan, and “A person cannot receive even one thing unless it is given him from heaven.”

Picking up the story in verse 28-30, “You yourselves bear witness, that I said, ‘I am not the Christ, but I have been sent before him.’  The one who has the bride is the bridegroom.  The friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly at the bridegroom’s voice.  Therefore this joy of mine is now complete.  He must increase, but I must decrease.” If you are a Christian and it seems you drew the short-stack at life’s banquet table, could it be that unlike John the Baptist, your joy is not found in knowing your Designer, your Redeemer, your Provider, your Savior?  The answer is found in verse 30,  “He must increase, but I must decrease.”  Joy and Peace will flow into our lives when we agree that all things come from the Father, and we willingly decrease so that Jesus who is our life can increase.

From the Back Porch,

Bob Rice