I recently read of a man who started a church and saw it grow and flourish over the years. But unlike some pastors whose fingers have to be pried from the pulpit, this man began grooming a younger man to take over his church. Why? Because he felt God was calling him to do so. And, at just 51 years old, this healthy, dynamic pastor humbly moved on as his 30-year-old protégé took his place.
From this account and John the Baptist’s example, we see the importance of truly finding our place in life. I don’t mean our purpose or vocation, but the point where we humbly acknowledge God’s sovereignty and preeminence.
John the Baptist had made a name for himself. “All Judea, including all the people of Jerusalem, went out to see and hear John” (Mark 1:5). But he didn’t let the attention go to his head. Instead, he told all who would listen, “Someone is coming soon who is greater than I am—so much greater that I’m not even worthy to stoop down like a slave and untie the straps of His sandals” (Mark 1:7). John knew his place. It was to be a messenger, preparing the way (Mark 1:2)—not the Lord Himself! (Mark 1:3).
It’s interesting that John was not fully aware of Jesus’s divine purpose when he made his remarks. In fact, his full recognition of Jesus’ divinity would come much later, when Jesus made it perfectly clear to John’s disciples (Luke 7:18-23). At that time, He also said that of all people “who have ever lived, none is greater than John. Yet even the least person in the kingdom of God is greater than he is!” (Luke 7:28).
John was great, because he followed God in humility. And now we—part of the kingdom of God—can live out our greatness by humbly serving God and His people.
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Isaiah 6:1-13
More:
Read Proverbs 15:33 to see what precedes honor. Read 1 Peter 5:5-6 to see what God does as we humble ourselves before Him.
Next:
What is your greatest struggle with humility? How do the examples of John and Jesus encourage you to be humble before God?
jennifer benson schuldt on May 22, 2013 at 6:42 am
Tom,
Thank you for this message. John the Baptist is an excellent example of our purpose here on earth–to lift up Christ. Our world seems to respond to people who promote themselves well, but God responds to those who humble themselves well (James 4:10).
tom felten on May 22, 2013 at 9:05 am
Good verse, Jennifer. John the Baptist truly reflected the humility that Jesus lived out (Philippians 2:7-8). May, by God’s grace, we all do the same!
Gene on May 22, 2013 at 7:14 am
Power, recognition, greatness, purpose are all wrapped up in humility with John the Baptist. Jesus was even more humble as he served his disciples and ultimately took on the burden of our sins to the cross. What other response can we possibly have but to fall on our knees at His feet? Thinking about this helps me approach God and others in humility. 1 Peter 5:5-6 also comes to mind.
tom felten on May 22, 2013 at 9:15 am
Thanks for sharing, Gene. As individuals encounter God they choose humility or pride, submission or rebellion. When we truly consider—as you have stated—what it cost for us to receive salvation, it truly humbles us to the core as we fall before Jesus and experience His grace.
roxanne robbins on May 22, 2013 at 10:10 am
May our hearts increasingly aspire to increasingly “humbly acknowledge God’s sovereignty and preeminence.”
Thanks for this good exhortation, Tom!
yemiks1 on May 22, 2013 at 11:15 am
Humiliations will test our Humility.
John the Baptist was asked “are you the expectant saviour”- exhalting & humiliating question. Luke3:15 but watch his reply vs16.
May God help us to be humble and not humbled. Luke14:11
Kathy @ In Quiet Places on May 22, 2013 at 1:00 pm
I am so struck by the story of the pastor who groomed the younger man to take his place, and the humility is very evident, but also, I am seeing and hearing wisdom, listening to God, seeking God’s leading and direction to do what he did. What an example of yielding to God.
Maybe he learned how to do this from the example of John the Baptist.
tom felten on May 22, 2013 at 4:06 pm
Kathy, yes, that’s an itneresting possibility! I love what John said: “He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less” (John 3:30). What a great example of a truly humble heart before God!
winn collier on May 28, 2013 at 5:10 pm
Your story is poignant. That’s a pastor who knew he was, who knew who God was. I hope to be that kind of pastor.