DAILY READING
REFLECTION
Stay in Your Lane
By Dave Mann
John the Baptist played an important role in the mission of God during his time. John knew what he was called to do – to witness to the Light that was to come. “He came as a witness to testify concerning that light” (1:6). His role was key. He preached about repentance. He got all the people of Jerusalem, and the surrounding area, accustomed to repenting of their sins. Of course, people are not intrinsically favorable toward the idea of repentance. No one likes to admit that they are wrong. So, bringing people to the point where they admit that they are outside of God’s way is a challenge. John did this well. See Matthew 3:5-6. John even addressed those who were already religious and thought they did not need to repent. See Matthew 3:7-9.
John was successful in his ministry, and being successful is risky. You can think that you deserve to be honored more highly than is appropriate. But John did not let success go to his head. “He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light” (1:8). He knew that his role was to point to Jesus.
John, in a self-demeaning way, announced to his large audience, “I baptize with water,” John replied, “but among you stands one you do not know. He is the one who comes after me, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie” (John 1:26-27).
Even John’s own disciples were irritated that Jesus appeared to be gaining more disciples than their leader. In John 3:22-30, John’s disciples complained to him that Jesus was overshadowing John. His reply was simple, “He must become greater; I must become less.”
Then later, once he was thrown in prison and his ministry was nearly finished, he had his own doubts. He sent messengers to Jesus to ask, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?” (Matthew 11:2-3). Not long after that, John’s earthly ministry came to an ignominious end – bloody martyrdom. John knew his role in God’s design – preparing the path for people to repent and to come to Jesus – and then to fade away. John played his part well. No doubt by grace, he was welcomed into the eternal celebration at Heaven’s gates.
Whether we have success, or not, may we seek God’s will to do what he has called us to do – no more, no less.
PRAYER
Lord God, who has a plan for this world and everyone in it, help me to be sensitive to the call of your Spirit and to do what you have called me to do. When, by the grace of God, I meet some measure of success, grant, Lord, that I not be swayed to believe more highly of myself than what you have called me to, in Jesus’ name, Amen.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
DAVE MANN
I am a Pastor for Internationals (retired) in the UALC community. I am married to Pam, father of four, and grandfather of six. Pam and I have lived twenty of our years in other countries including France, Cameroon, Haiti, and Morocco. In retirement, we continue to enjoy writing devotionals, learning languages, and teaching English to internationals.
Very impressive devotional. I know that I have known the story of John the Baptist, but you showed me a new level of awareness. Good job.