Verse of the Day 10/2
John 3:30 He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less. New Living Translation (NLT)
Most people that send e-mails have a "signature", a statement or title that follows their name at the end of a message. If John the Baptist were to send letters or e-mails he might very well quote today's verse as a constant reminder to himself and to his readers and followers that Jesus Christ has first place in his life. The NLT translation gives us the impression that it a continual, continuing process. It is not something to be achieved and crossed off our to do list. It is a way of life.
Reading this passage yesterday in the NLT revealed the components of this "signature" in the life of John and is a model for us. There are several "I" statements in the passage, but in contrast to the early chapters of Ecclesiastes where Solomon related everything to himself, John relates and submits to Jesus the Messiah. In verse 28 we read "I am not the Messiah, I am only here to prepare the way for Him". Could that be our attitude? It calls and challenges us to prepare for His second coming. In verse 29 we read "I am filled with joy at his success". It is all about Him, not us, it is about His success - reaching the lost, bringing healing, comfort, forgiveness, and salvation and this brings us great joy.
Solomon had become the richest man but, apart from God, counted it as vanity, chasing the wind. John the Baptist dressed in course clothing and ate bugs, but he found meaning in his life as he magnified the Messiah and did his best to make Him famous.
Apart from Him and all His meaning
All things fail as they begin
And hearts deceived
Can only know
A chasing of the wind
In Christ,
Mike
Mike
Follow the Verse of the Day blog at http://mikesvotd.blogspot.com
Eph 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace NIV
Eph 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace NIV
John 3:28-31 New Living Translation (NLT)
28 You yourselves know how plainly I told you, 'I am not the Messiah. I am only here to prepare the way for him.' 29 It is the bridegroom who marries the bride, and the best man is simply glad to stand with him and hear his vows. Therefore, I am filled with joy at his success. 30 He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less.
28 You yourselves know how plainly I told you, 'I am not the Messiah. I am only here to prepare the way for him.' 29 It is the bridegroom who marries the bride, and the best man is simply glad to stand with him and hear his vows. Therefore, I am filled with joy at his success. 30 He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less.
31 "He has come from above and is greater than anyone else. We are of the earth, and we speak of earthly things, but he has come from heaven and is greater than anyone else.
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