| Judges 19:1-20:48; John 3:22-4:3; Psalm 104:24-35; Proverbs 14:22-24
“Then a dispute arose between John’s disciples and a Jew about purification. So they came to John and told him, ‘Rabbi, the One you testified about, and who was with you across the Jordan, is baptizing – and everyone is flocking to Him.’ John responded, ‘No one can receive a single thing unless it’s given to him from heaven. You yourselves can testify that I said, ‘I am not the Messiah, but I’ve been sent ahead of Him.'” (John 3:25-28)
Just like a human being to be so argumentative and opinionated. The first thing we read is how John’s disciples are debating purification with a Jew. Then they turn and start in on John about how this guy Jesus is baptizing their potential disciples. Haha. It sounds funny when you look at it like that doesn’t it. John knew his call and I love his response. He simply tells his boys that a person can only do what God allows. Whew. Well that takes off a lot of pressure huh. You mean that no one group has a monopoly on God and on truth. Wow! We don’t have the responsibility of winning every soul and discipling every person. We don’t have to police the whole body. How liberating.
Sometimes we get so caught up in a territorial or even superior spirit that we forget we are all on the same team. We all want to see souls won for Christ. We all want to see people avoid hell. We all want to see people live up to their potential. We all do want that don’t we? Christianity isn’t about building up a particular person’s ministry it is about growing the kingdom of God. I know you love your church and believe that everyone should attend but not everyone is called to your church, not everyone is called to mine and that’s okay. Diversity is good for the body so long as our core beliefs are the same.
I leave you with this last word from John the Baptist, “He must increase, but I must decrease.” (John 4:30) It’s all about Jesus folks. Let’s just so let our light shine that He is all people can see. Let’s become so much like Him that going into any church will be like McDonald’s, the quarter pounder is consistently the same. Hallelujah! When they see any of us, the Spirit that moves us will still be the same. May God bless you and all you do to further His kingdom. Love your brothers. Appreciate and respect what they are doing for Jesus.
PRAYER:
Lord, forgive me for thinking higher of myself than I ought. I realize the body of Christ is bigger than me and there is no way I can single-handedly win the world. Thank You so much for brothers and sisters who are all joining in with their gifts, talents and faith to expand Your kingdom throughout the world. I am so excited to be a part of the bigger picture. Thank You Lord for calling me and giving me an assignment. In the name of Jesus I pray. Amen. |
