“He must increase, but I must decrease”.
John3:30.
This verse is a few, powerful words spoken by the humble, John ,the Baptist. He knew that he was anointed by God to tell others to follow Jesus, not Him. In order to do that he must humble himself as a servant telling others to follow Jesus, rather than his own ministry. The same is true for Christ followers and leaders. Enemy is always trying to shift our focus. Others may mock and make fun of us,do not fear.
“For God has not given us the spirit of fear: but of power and of love, and of a sound mind “. (2Timothy 1:7. )John was the prophesied forerunner of The Lord. In St. John’s gospel we read that the Baptist came as a witness to testify about the light, Jesus, so that all might believe in Him .He quoted (Isaiah 40:3 , )“ I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make straight the way of the Lord”. (John1:23)
John identified Jesus as the anointed Messiah,equal with the Father God. He pointed to
Christ and said “….the Lamb of God, which take away the sin of the world”. (John1:29 )and a second time told. “ Behold the Lamb of God”. (John 1:36 ).John ,the Baptist further said that he was not worthy enough to tie the sandals of Jesus. He knew that if he baptized people in water, Jesus baptizes with Holy Spirit.Our own abilities and wisdom should play a less role and should allow the grace and wisdom of Jesus to take control of our lives. He was surrendering his claim of leadership to Jesus. We also should surrender our leadership and influence of our lives to Jesus. As we grow in faith in Jesus, we should empty ourselves of all our worldly ways. We should continue to grow in Christ in every aspect. We must decrease ourselves and increase of Jesus in our lives. His Word and character should impact and influence our thoughts, words and actions. Our faith, hope and love in Christ should increase as we see the evidence of the miracles Jesus has done in our lives.
As we mature in faith, we will confess as Paul said “It is no longer I who live but Christ who lives in me”. (Galatians2:20. )Our own strength will decline but His strength and power working in us will increase. He deserves all the praise and glory for redeeming us who were vessels of clay in order to become vessels of honour. Our fears will decline as our faith increases. When we decrease ,we acknowledge that we are nothing without Him, “ we can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”. (Philippians 4:13. )When the fruit of the Holy Spirit increase in us, we decrease and he increases in us . Our pride, arrogance, unforgiveness , boasting nature decrease and Word and deed for Christ increase.
Prayer
Heavenly Father thank you for the testimony of John the Baptist and his example of humility and grace. May I walk humbly before you all the days of my life be ready to testify that Jesus is the Saviour of the world and that He must increase and I must decrease.
I pray in Jesus name,Amen.
Sol.Gigi Jacob