²⁵ Now a discussion arose between some of John’s disciples and a Jew over purification. ²⁶ And they came to John and said to him, “Rabbi, he who was with you across the Jordan, to whom you bore witness—look, he is baptizing, and all are going to him.” ²⁷ John answered, “A person cannot receive even one thing unless it is given him from heaven. ²⁸ You yourselves bear me witness, that I said, ‘I am not the Christ, but I have been sent before him.’ ²⁹ The one who has the bride is the bridegroom. The friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly at the bridegroom’s voice. Therefore this joy of mine is now complete. ³⁰ He must increase, but I must decrease.”  John 3:25-30

John the Baptist says, “He (Jesus) must increase, but I must decrease.” John has the right perspective in his relationship with Jesus Christ – Jesus must be bigger than himself. There are many today who, I believe, try to assert themselves as being bigger that Jesus Christ. John Lennon once stated that the Beatles were bigger than Jesus Christ. Perhaps this was true in his mind, but I believe Jesus is less popular in this society than many celebrities and athletes. The gospel of John states that John the Baptist came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe in the light, Jesus Christ.  This light, is the true light, that enlightens everyone, and allows us to have a clearer understanding of our relationship with Jesus Christ – which is the same as John’s – Jesus must increase in our lives as we decrease the distractions that keep us from a relationship with Jesus.  For many individuals, this is a message that falls flat at their feet because they are unwilling to be in the right relationship with Jesus – believing that they are bigger than life itself. This Lenten season, let us remember our true place in relationship with Jesus Christ.

Pastor Dave

 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. ¹⁷ For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.” John 3:16-17

Charlie Brown and Linus are walking down the sidewalk and Linus asks Charlie, “Have you heard of the ‘Beat Generation’ Charlie Brown?”  Charlie replies, “Oh, Yes.”  And Charlie continues, “I’m a charter member.” Do you ever feel as if life is just beating you down? Have you ever felt like people in your life were beating you down? John 3:16 and 17 reminds us that although we might also feel like the world is beating us down, there is a G-d who loves us so much that G-d felt humanity was worth doing something completely unique – G-d became like us to save us from ourselves.  And he was lifted up on a cross so that, in seeing and believing, we have been given the gift of life – life eternal. Yes, we may be beaten by life, but we are not defeated. Christ is victorious for all of us—in his love, his mercy and Grace.

Pastor Dave