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Day 8 John 3:22 John 3:22 After these things came Jesus and his disciples into the land of Judaea; and there he tarried with them, and baptized. 23 And John also was baptizing in Aenon near to Salim, because there was much water there: and they came, and were baptized. 24 For John was not yet cast into prison. 25 Then there arose a question between some of John’s disciples and the Jews about purifying. 26 And they came unto John, and said unto him, Rabbi, he that was with thee beyond Jordan, to whom thou bare witness, behold, the same baptizes, and all men come to him. 27 John answered and said, A man can receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven. 28 Ye yourselves bear me witness, that I said, I am not the Christ, but that I am sent before him. 29 He that hath the bride is the bridegroom: but the friend of the bridegroom, which stands and hears him, rejoices greatly because of the bridegroom’s voice: this my joy therefore is fulfilled. 30 He must increase, but I must decrease. 31 He that comes from above is above all: he that is of the earth is earthly, and speaks of the earth: he that comes from heaven is above all. 32 And what he hath seen and heard, that he testifies; and no man receives his testimony. 33 He that hath received his testimony hath set to his seal that God is true. 34 For he whom God hath sent speaks the words of God: for God gives not the Spirit by measure unto him. 35 The Father loves the Son, and hath given all things into his hand. 36 He that believes on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believes not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abides on him. What do you tell people when someone asks you a question about another person you know well when that person does the same work as you? John the Baptist’s disciples questioned him about Jesus because he baptized as John did. They wanted to know what kind of person Jesus was. John the Baptist’s answer showed them he wasn’t the Christ, the Messiah, but Jesus was sent by God and speaks God’s Word. John the Baptist also told his disciples that he must decrease, diminish because Jesus had come to give eternal life. Sometimes Christians believe the work they do for the kingdom of God is more important than another person’s work. Yet John the Baptist showed that’s not true. Positions in the body of Christ change and diminish as needs change. Consider the industrial age and the technological age. Work your parents and grandparents did has given way to technology, and technology will give way to the next age. That is not to say that what you do is unimportant. Your role changes. John the Baptist’s work was to prepare the way for the Messiah. As soon as he recognized Jesus, his role as the messenger ended. Jesus’ time had come. Your work in the body changed when new advancements in technology took place, and a more efficient way of bringing the gospel to the world came about. Jesus needs the gospel to go to the entire world, not only physically where missionaries work with the people, but also technologically, through the Internet. You might not be able to physically go to another country and bring the gospel to people who never heard about Jesus, or considered him as their Savior and Lord, but you can still bring the gospel to the entire world through the Internet. God provided the means in every generation for the gospel to reach the world. The early Christian church went on foot, ship, and horseback to other countries. That was the means people brought the gospel until the industrial age with the invention of the printing press, automobile, and airplanes. Missionaries could reach other countries faster so the word could go forth. Then the industrial age gave way to the technological age and the gospel can be heard by way of television, radio, and the Internet. How has your role changed in the body of Christ? You are important to the body. As long as you have breath in your body, your work for the kingdom of God isn’t finished. Let’s pray: Father, you provided the means in every generation for your gospel to reach the world. Show me how I can bring your gospel to people in this ever-changing world I live in. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen. Copyright © 9 December 2018 by Valerie Routhieaux Image courtesy of Pixabay