Topic: “He Must Increase” [Saturday September 12, 2015]
Text: John 3:29-36
Key Verse: “He must increase, but I must decrease. He that cometh from above is above all: he that is of the earth is earthly, and speaketh of the earth: he that cometh from heaven is above all” (John 3:30, 31).
Any students of science know Isaac Newton’s law of gravity, but only a few knew Edmund Halley whose efforts brought Newton’s work to light. Though Halley spent most of his time on lunar observations, he developed interest in problems of gravity which brought him closer to Newton.
He was having problems with Kepler’s law of planetary motion, unknown to him, Newton had already dissolved the problem. But Halley was surprised at Newton’s indifference in getting his (Newton’s) work published. So he supervised, edited and financed the printing though Newton was wealthier. After the publication, Newton reaped the rewards, but Halley received little credit. He never really cared though, except to advance the cause of the breakthrough.
John the Baptist was the forerunner of our Lord but he became less prominent while the Lord increased in popularity and ministry. Our text shows the argument between a certain Jew and John the Baptist’s disciples. Both the disciples of John and Jesus were baptizing converts and more people were going to Jesus’ disciples than to John’s. Probably, they expected John to react negatively to this development, but he did not. He only reminded his disciples about his prophecy concerning the Messiah: that he was only sent to prepare the way for the greater One. This is a lesson in humility.
Only people of low spiritual understanding allow jealousy to control their lives. God can choose anyone to do His work. People who want the praise of men would not appreciate John’s attitude and humility. But God wants us to be clothed with humility and be ready to submit to the will of God like John the Baptist who preferred to see himself decrease for Christ to increase.
Thought for the day: Let Christ be seen in you
Bible Reading in one Year: Numbers 8- 0
DCLM Daily Manna was written by Pastor William Folorunso Kumuyi; is the founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Life Bible Church situated at KM 42 on the busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Nigeria.
