WE ARE POINTERS, NOT THE POINT! There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. He himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light. The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world came into being through him; yet the world did not know him. He came to what was his own, and his own people did not accept him. But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God, who were born, not of blood or of the will of the flesh or of the will of man, but of God. John 1:6-13 DEVOTION I’m told the most difficult instrument in the orchestra to play is the second fiddle. Not because there aren’t enough good players for that position. It’s just that most people aren’t content with being #2, being the no-name backup musician. Basically people want to be seen, to be noticed, to be considered important. John the Baptist was given a very important role in the whole scheme of things. As one sent from God, John was in the same category as Moses, the prophets of the Old Testament and even Jesus Himself. This man came by God’s own commission and with God’s own authority. But John knew his role in life. He knew he had an important role, but not the most important role. Folks, no matter how good you are, no matter how long you’ve been walking with God, no matter what anybody else thinks of you, life is not about you. We may say that Jesus is #1 in our lives but in reality, our desires are #1. Often when we say we are ‘serving God’, we are actually only putting a spiritual label on our own selfish desires. So, don’t try to be the show. Stop thinking that the messenger is more important than the message. Stop thinking the world needs to hear and see you. Stop thinking that the church is supposed to make you happy and meet all your needs. Life is about pointing people to Jesus. The message we proclaim is that Jesus Christ is Lord! He has authority over our lives so we don’t proclaim ourselves, but Christ crucified. We are pointers, not the point! FOR REFLECTION Am I the pointer or the point? Am I even aware I have made myself the point? PRAYER Lord, forgive me when I try to grasp the glory for myself. Forgive me when I drift into an effort to impress others. May I never, never forget that it is all about You. It’s about You. Amen
Posted on: Thu, 06 Mar 2014 12:18:21 +0000