Jesus Before Me
Photo by Random Institute, from Unsplash.
Are our lives pointing to ourselves, or to something or someone better? Do we put ourselves first, or do we prioritize what or who is more important? Do we love others enough to help them see what is best?
In the Gospel of John, the Apostle John tells of John the Baptist’s witness to who Jesus is, saying, “The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, ‘Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! This is he of whom I said, ‘After me comes a man who ranks before me, because he was before me.’” (John 1:29-30, ESV).
John recognized that Jesus was before him. John recognized Jesus as the Messiah of God. He recognized Jesus as the Christ—The Anointed One. John recognized Jesus as the perfect—sinless—Lamb of God, who takes away the world’s sin, shields the world from death, and who gives life to the world.
John the Baptist did not desire to keep the attention on himself. John was not looking to maintain his following. John did not seek to retain his disciples. John desired to point people to Jesus who could save them from their sin. John recognized his role to disciple people to recognize Jesus and to follow him with their lives.
As John said later in his ministry, “He must increase, but I must decrease.” (John 3:30, ESV)
Like John the Baptist, may we see our role to be followers of Jesus—disciples of Jesus, who point the way for others to follow Jesus with their lives and to be his disciples.
A Collect for Strength to Await Christ’s Return: “O God our King, by the resurrection of your Son Jesus Christ on the first day of the week, you conquered sin, put death to flight, and gave us the hope of everlasting life: Redeem all our days by this victory; forgive our sins, banish our fears, make us bold to praise you and to do your will; and steel us to wait for the consummation of your kingdom on the last great Day; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.” (Book of Common Prayer, 2019).
Get a link to #Cultivate365: #January2023—A #Daily Devotional here: www.robbiepruitt.com.
Photo by Random Institute, from Unsplash.
