April 6, 2022 - John 3:26-27, 29-30

“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.” John replied, “No one can receive anything unless God gives it from heaven. 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. He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less.” John 3:26-27, 29-30 NLT

Lord, I love the humility we see in John here. It isn’t easy to admit when your ministry or “thing” is being replaced by someone else. Even in John’s case where his purpose is to prepare for something greater, when the times comes to step aside it can be such a hard thing. John’s words here are beautiful and challenging. Jesus, John didn’t react with jealousy when your ministry was growing more than his and “taking” his followers. He rejoiced. We want to be like him when others are succeeding around us. Especially if they are “stealing” the recognition or platform that we wanted. Help us to rejoice and celebrate other’s victories, particularly when the victory was something that we wanted for ourselves. Help us learn to walk a humble road that, when you are asking us to, is willing to allow others to become greater and us to become less. Lord, give us such wisdom in those situations to handle things wisely and in a manner that will glorify you. Give us discernment to clearly know what you are asking us to do and the strength to let go and step down when you ask. Show us how we can support those who are replacing us. Help us be a ladder that helps them to climb higher than us and not a stumbling block for them. We trust you and where you are leading even when it isn’t an easy road.

In Jesus name, amen.