Move over for Jesus
by Marlene Cooper
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That joy is mine and it is now complete. He must become greater; I must become less (John 3:39b,40).
The disciples of John the Baptist loved their Rabbi. So, when they saw ‘that man’, the one John had baptised gaining a growing throng of followers, they were grieved. ‘Look,’ they complained, ‘everyone is going to him!’
Sadly, they had not understood John’s ministry nor did they perceive the unique and heaven-sent ministry of Jesus rising among them. John, the servant from the earth, knew that his was a passing ministry. Recognising Jesus as the one from heaven, teaching heavenly truth in a ministry without end, he knew that God’s time had come for him to move over in order to give place to the one ‘above all’.
And John was glad! The heavenly bridegroom had arrived, and now the best man’s work was done. ‘That joy is mine and it is now complete; he [Jesus] must become greater and I must become less.’
It is easy for us to slip into thinking that the work in God’s kingdom is all about us. But our work is always preparatory – we serve to prepare the way for the glory of God the Father, just as Jesus did during his earthly ministry. Whether our tasks are ‘great’, requiring intense energy and wisdom, leadership and decision-making, or ‘small’, like prayer, encouragement or quiet acts of kindness, our work has a divine purpose and heavenly timing. We serve beside the one from above. There will be times to step forward and times to step aside so that Jesus, the Bridegroom, remains the sole focus of our efforts.
Keeping connected to Jesus enables us to perceive and rejoice over the work of others who are serving with us. It reveals to us what he is doing among us today and enables us to respond to his call to join him there. Whether it be for ‘great’ action or for ‘small’ tasks, the Spirit who calls and gathers us for service binds us together in mutual support and prayerful cooperation. As we wait on God’s direction and timing, working together in the love and energy the Spirit gives, we will have the joy of accompanying Jesus as he brings in the harvest of the kingdom for the glory of God the Father.
Shine in our hearts, Holy Spirit of life, as we serve you together in your kingdom. Draw us and those we serve to Jesus the Saviour of the world, for the glory of God the Father. Amen.
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