Weekend Devotion—What about John?

They came to John and said to him, "Rabbi, that man who was with you on the other side of the Jordan—the one you testified about—well, he is baptizing, and everyone is going to him."

To this John replied, "A man can receive only what is given him from heaven. You yourselves can testify that I said, 'I am not the Christ but am sent ahead of him.' The bride belongs to the bridegroom. The friend who attends the bridegroom waits and listens for him, and is full of joy when he hears the bridegroom's voice. That joy is mine, and it is now complete. He must become greater; I must become less." — John 3:26-30

John the Baptist has been on my mind this week. I wonder what he felt when he saw Jesus with the Twelve. Did he wish to be one of those chosen men, constantly in the presence of the Son of God? Did he look longingly at this group, wondering why he'd been set apart? Or did he actually have the better job?

Even as an unborn baby, John seemed to know what his life was about and for. In utero, he "leaped for joy" at the sound of Mary's voice. (Luke1:44) Before he was even born, his path was set—what he would eat, how he'd dress, and what his mission would be. He was even filled with the Holy Spirit from birth.

But still...did he wonder, question, or sometimes even desire to switch places with one of the disciples? Or was he completely at peace with his place in preparing the way for Jesus?

Perhaps the answer in his words, "He must become greater; I must become less." Even when sitting in prison John never doubted the coming of the Messiah. He may have sent his men question Jesus if he was the one, but knew to expect someone. (Matt. 11:2-3)

Lately, I've come to see myself in a similar position. You could say I'm like John to my husband, preparing for the day when Jesus does come and lay claim on my husband's life. At times God seems to reveal my mission on a daily basis, bit by bit. Other times, he gives me a sense of the role I now play in my husband's life B.C. (before Christ) and will play A.C. (after Christ).

One thing's certain though. This is my mission. I know without a doubt that God has placed me here for this time and this reason, to be instrumental in my husband's salvation.

May I be so bold as to say, you are too? Has God placed you exactly where you are to "prepare the way" for Jesus?

Are you ready to be like John?

Praying and believing,
Dineen

Comments

[Dee]

Wow! That was excellent!

[Sheryl]

That was excellent! Now I need to figure out how to be like John even from a distance. I too am still praying and believing. Thanks.
Sheryl

[Dineen Miller]

Thank you, ladies! (((((Hugs))))) :-)

[Angela]

Wow! I just picked up an extra part time job. I couldn't figure out why they were so persistent in trying t get me to come to work there. Very few of my new co-workers are saved. I come in and all I talk about is the good things of the Lord. If there is a problem I refer to the word to find a solution. I never thought of it as preparing the way for the Lord. How awesome to think of such a great opportunity as preparing the way for Jesus. Thank you for this new insight. Bless you. Have a good weekend.
Love and Prayers,
Angela

[Tamara Hari]

thank you - yes of course that is true - we are a "help" that God wants to use to lead our husbands to the cross - I dont believe I am the person to accompany him but I do believe our children and I are the people who does thaw his heart towards the Lord - I can hardly wait Dineen, to hear from you and from me what was the impulse that makes our husbands love and submit to our Lord! Oh Happy and Blessed Day!in Christ, Tamara

[Lynn]

Dineen,

preparing for the day when Jesus does come and lay claim on my husband's life.... Girl, I am there. I am there. Awesome post.

[Rosheeda]

*rollin' my eyes* HA! Thanks Dineen. This would mean that I need to be more gracious than I have been lately, recognizing that my place is just exactly where the Lord means for me to be right now.

guess I need to get it together, huh? :o)