Text: John 3:22-31
Memory Verse: “He must increase, but I must decrease” (John 3:30).
To be in the limelight is to be the focus of public attention. It is attracting attention to our achievements, contributions, and personality. Sometimes those achievements draw attention to us and because they give us good feelings, we begin to enjoy them and crave more. The times we are in also do not help much. One’s giftings or calling can also point attention to one. That was the experience of John the Baptist whose life of self-denial and focus on his role of being the forerunner of Jesus succeeded in calling men and women to repentance from sin (John 1:19-28). He was held in very high esteem and had a successful ministry.
A trap was, however, being set for John, comparing him to Christ and suggesting that he was about to lose his popularity to Christ, thereby fanning his ego. John understood his mission and calling. He succeeded in not only
rebuffing calls to assert his achievement, but instead decided to give prominence to Christ, proclaiming His imminent ascendancy to power and authority through His sacrifice for mankind.
Even Jesus shunned the spotlight when His brethren urged Him, though out of unbelief, to go public so that His miracles could be seen by all (John 7:3-5). People even wanted to make Him King, but He refused to be distracted! Rather, He humbled Himself and died for the world’s sins. He said “… I am gentle and lowly.” (Matthew 11:29). He is our perfect example. Follow in His steps.
Prayer Points:
1. Lord Jesus, please help me to humble myself before You always.
2. I pray for the grace to put You and not myself in the limelight always.