“Now a discussion arose between some of John’s disciples and a Jew over purification. 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.” John answered, “A person cannot receive even one thing unless it is given him from heaven. You yourselves bear me witness, that I said, ‘I am not the Christ, but I have been sent before him.’ 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. He must increase, but I must decrease.” John 3:25-30

“Jesus Must Increase, but I Must Decrease”
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.

Let us Pray,
Lord Jesus,
You loom large in the life of the church and in our lives as well. Help me to remember that I must decrease while you increase in my life. Remind me that though you love me unconditionally, you also love all people unconditionally and we are to always put you and others first. Amen.

Pastor Dave

So the Jews said to him, “What sign do you show us for doing these things?” Jesus answered them, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” The Jews then said, “It has taken forty-six years to build this temple, and will you raise it up in three days?” But he was speaking about the temple of his body. When therefore he was raised from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this, and they believed the Scripture and the word that Jesus had spoken. Now when he was in Jerusalem at the Passover Feast, many believed in his name when they saw the signs that he was doing. But Jesus on his part did not entrust himself to them, because he knew all people and needed no one to bear witness about man, for he himself knew what was in man.” John 2:18-25

“Never Not Praying”
“…for he himself knew what was in everyone.” G-d knows what is in our heart, what is in our mind, what is in our thoughts. In fact, G-d, the Father Son and Holy Spirit, knows all people. Is that a scary thought or a thought of overwhelming comfort? It comforts me to know that G-d knows my needs, and my desires, and my worries, of course before I even can anticipate them for myself. Yet, how awesome is the thought that G-d knows what is in me, deep down in the very essence of who I am—all of the bad along with the good. I pray each night for the people of this congregation and the people that I know who are in need. Yet, I am strangely comforted knowing that for G-d, my prayers are simply repeating what G-d already knows. And I continue to be comforted knowing that G-d knows me so well – for it is only through the Father, Son and Holy Spirit that I can continue in ministry each and every day.

Just because G-d knows what is in each one of us does not mean we do not continue to go to G-d in prayer. Prayer keeps us in the conversation—keeps the communication open, which keeps our hearts open as well.

Let us Pray,
Lord you do know all things. But you ask us to come to you any way, in prayer, in praise, and in communion. Help me to remember my prayers and to pray them with my whole heart, mind and soul. Amen.

Pastor Dave