Scripture: 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.’ He who has the bride is the groom. But the groom’s friend, who stands by and listens for him, rejoices greatly at the groom’s voice. So this joy of mine is complete. He must increase, but I must decrease.” John 3:27-30
Observation: John the Baptist clearly understands who he is, and who Jesus is. Specifically, he himself is not the Messiah, and Jesus is the Messiah. John was the messenger simply preparing the way. He describes that here as being the best man at a wedding. He might be all dressed up, but the best man isn't the groom. That said, he is not saddened that this is not his weeding, but rather is celebrating at the arrival and joy of the groom!
John ends this section with three thoughts. The famous - and often quoted line from Christian athletes and others - is that Jesus must increase, and John must decrease ... in notoriety, fame, stature, and influence. However, the line before - that John's joy is complete - is telling. John knows his work is done. Messiah has arrived, John has prepared others to join him, and the are now turning to Jesus. John knows his mission is complete, and completed successfully.
Application: There is joy to be found in knowing what you are supposed to do, and then knowing you completed that work successfully. John the Baptist had a historic mission, which had been preordained centuries before. He took on that work, and delivered. He could now step aside - retire if you will - with full joy that he had done well.
How wonderful it would be just to know your life's mission, let alone do it well. We just had such a conversation last night ... wondering what lies ahead of our entire family as we enter an new phase of life. I have never known my mission. I think I'm doing things well, but I just don't know. Without knowing what I'm supposed to be doing, I can't find a yard stick to measure quality, let alone a finish line to eventually declare successful completion.
I seek mission and purpose and promises. I receive correction and places and tasks. Of course, I can't consider myself in the context of John the Baptist. It would be nice to understand more, but perhaps I am still in the mode of trying to be obedient with just a little. I will continue to try.
Prayer: Dear Lord, I do seek your word every day. However, I will find joy in just walking blindly on your path. If you will hold my hand, I will walk humbly with you wherever you lead. I do not really need to know why, and I will trust in the end result just like John did, even without defined goals. Thank you for loving me so, so much, ever day. Amen.
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