God Appoints
Scripture: John 3:22-30 (Click link for scripture in Bible Gateway)
22 Then Jesus and his disciples left Jerusalem and went into the Judean countryside. Jesus spent some time with them there, baptizing people. 23 At this time John the Baptist was baptizing at Aenon, near Salim, because there was plenty of water there; and people kept coming to him for baptism. 24 (This was before John was thrown into prison.) 25 A debate broke out between John’s disciples and a certain Jew over ceremonial cleansing. 26 So John’s disciples came to him and said, “Rabbi, the man you met on the other side of the Jordan River, the one you identified as the Messiah, is also baptizing people. And everybody is going to him instead of coming to us.” 27 John replied, “God in heaven appoints each person’s work. 28 You yourselves know how plainly I told you, ‘I am not the Messiah. I am only here to prepare the way for him.’ 29 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. 30 He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less. (John 3:22–30 NLT)
John’s disciples saw Jesus’ popularity and realized that the crowds that had followed John were shifting over to Jesus. When they expressed their concern, John said, “God in heaven appoints each person’s work.” John’s response revealed his heart for God and explains why Jesus said John was the greatest man ever born.
John was completely clear on what he was called to do and why. He completely trusted God to use him in his calling, and to use others just as effectively in fulfilling the larger purpose of redeeming man from sin and death and introducing God’s Kingdom. I want to grow into the same confidence John had in knowing and embracing my calling. I will support others and rejoice as they fulfill God’s purpose for their own lives and work. I apply these words from Galatians 6 to my life…
4 Make a careful exploration of who you are and the work you have been given, and then sink yourself into that. Don’t be impressed with yourself. Don’t compare yourself with others. 5 Each of you must take responsibility for doing the creative best you can with your own life. (Galatians 6:4-5 MSG)
Prayer:
Father, Please help me to be honest in my estimate of myself, and to understand my calling, my role, and where I fit into your plan. I determine to do the creative best that I can with my life, to encourage others, and to rejoice when they do the same! Amen!