He Must Increase

Our thoughts today lead up to the culmination of the Christmas Season to the second "ephiphany" of manifestation of Christ, his baptism by John at the river Jordan. John came to prepare the way for the ministry of Jesus, and today he helps us prepare our hearts for a deeper understanding of tomorrow's feast. He has been a successful preacher, bringing many to repentence and a change of life, signified by his baptism, a cleansing in the river's soothing waters. He was acclaimed as a prophet, and rightly so, for he carried God's word and plan to the people. But he turns the spotlight from himself, steps into the background as does the best man at a wedding, and focuses on the bridegroom, "the one to come after him, whose sandal he is unworthy to untie" (Mt 3:11). "The one who has the bride is the bridegroom; the best man, who stands and listens for him, rejoices greatly at the bridegroom's voice. So this joy of mine has been made complete" (Jn 3:29 ). What a beautiful attitude for us to incorporate into our spiritual lives. Our relaltionship with Jesus must center on HIM..."Look to him and be radiant with joy" (Ps 37:6). Listen to him, rejoice in his word, empty ourselves of our own importance, our worries, our complaints, our physical or spiritual aches and pains. Truly JOY in HIM!!! "He must increase, I must decrease" (Jn 3:30). The key to a humble, healthy life and readiness to understand the deeper implications of the Baptism of the Lord and our own.
Bro. Rene