John 3:30 “He must become greater; I must become less.”
One of the most difficult things for many people is to give up status, privilege, power, importance, reputation, and standing. We have spent our lives establishing ourselves and who we are, not just in public, but in our private lives. We don’t want anyone to torpedo those efforts.
Unless, of course, we have a terrible record, poor standards, shoddy workmanship, or crocked finances. Then we want to move past them as soon as possible, usually to begin the trail of destruction all over again. Con-artists thrive on this ability to reinvent themselves repeatedly.
But to choose to step down before your expiration date is a rare thing. Take a look at our political leaders! How many of them are far past crispy! The best thing would be for some of them to “spend time with family and friends.” They have made their millions through the connections and inside deals. Let them start wearing orange, or at least actually infect their family and friends with their poison.
Our text tells us about John the Baptist, and his attitude toward someone moving into his territory, being willing to step aside. Both John and Jesus were baptizing people in the same body of water, the Jordan River. Both were calling people to begin a renewed relationship with the LORD.
John could say, “I was here first. Go find your own water.” John had a following and a reputation. He influenced not only the poor and downcast, but even the religious leaders were coming to him, hoping he might be their ticket out of Roman oppression. Maybe John was the Messiah.
But John knew what every leader in the military knows: you are replaceable. You have a place for a time, but that time will pass. Someone else will come and fill your boots. We do our best with the limited time we have, and then someone else comes to make their mark.
John knew from the beginning that he was a messenger, not a Messiah. He knew his limited role, and he was happy to fulfill it. He kept himself from responding to those who would want him to be more. He knew where his job ended, and where other’s started.
This was his moment to step aside. Now that Jesus had begun, he had done his job. He had always been a pointer, and now with the object of his pointing on the scene, he was just fine with the spotlight moving away from him.
These words of today’s text have been part of my lifelong motivation for ministry. I want people to remember Jesus. I don’t matter. But if people remember me, and forget Jesus, I have failed. I know my role, and when it is done, I am done.
John saw that window closing. He knew his time was about to come to a close in ministry. Jesus had arrived. He had announced the arrival. It was time for his loudspeaker to be disconnected. And he was just fine with that.
How are you at transitions like this? Do you fight tooth and nail to hold onto the past, or are you willing to let it go and allow someone else to step up? Must you be in the spotlight, or do you feel slighted when others are elevated?
John’s heart was in the right place. Is yours?
The Arnold Journey 