God Appoints

Reading: John 2-4 27 John replied, “God in heaven appoints each person’s work. 28 You yourselves know how plainly I told you that I am not the Messiah. I am here to prepare the way for him—that is all. 30 He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less.” (John 3: 27-28, 30 NLT) John’s disciples saw Jesus’ growing popularity and realized that the crowds that had followed John were shifting over to hear Jesus speaking about the Kingdom of God. When they expressed their concern to John, his words of response revealed his heart for God and give us some understanding of why Jesus would say at another time that John was the greatest man ever born. John was completely clear on what he was called to do and why. He trusted God to use him in his calling, and to use others just as effectively in theirs. John was not concerned about how many “likes” he got on Facebook and Instagram. He wasn’t comparing the number of “followers” he had on Twitter with the number of “followers” Jesus had. John was not comparing the size of the crowds that came to hear him with the size of the crowds following Jesus! I want to grow into the same confidence John had in knowing and embracing my calling. I will support others and rejoice as they fulfill God’s purpose for their own lives and work. Today I apply these words from Romans 12 and Galatians 6 to my life… 2 Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will know what God wants you to do, and you will know how good and pleasing and perfect his will really is. 3 As God’s messenger, I give each of you this warning: Be honest in your estimate of yourselves, measuring your value by how much faith God has given you. (Romans 12:2-3 NLT) 4 Make a careful exploration of who you are and the work you have been given, and then sink yourself into that. Don’t be impressed with yourself. Don’t compare yourself with others. 5 Each of you must take responsibility for doing the creative best you can with your own life. (Galatians 6:4-5 MSG) Prayer: Father, Please help me to be honest in my estimate of myself, and to understand my calling, my role, and where I fit into your plan. I determine to do the creative best that I can with my life, to encourage others, and to rejoice when they do the same! May your Kingdom come and your will be done in my earth as it is in your heaven. Amen!