21 May Daily Manna
TEXT: John 1:15-34
KEY VERSE: John 1:15
John bare witness of him, and cried, saying, This was he of whom I spake, He that cometh after me is preferred before me: for he was before me.
A witness is someone who bears testimony to the truth of a matter and is committed and ready to testify to its veracity. A true witness upholds his testimony even if this will belittle his own person before others.
John the Baptist was a true witness. By earthly standards, he was senior to Jesus and a relation. But he looked beyond the earthly and, at Jesus’ baptism, he proclaimed Him the Messiah. He knew that truly Jesus came from God (John 1:33), and that He is the Son of God (verse 34). He recognised and appreciated his job of pointing others to Jesus.
John the Baptist was an acknowledged and well-known preacher who attracted large crowds; yet, he was truly satisfied to give Jesus the pride of place. He told the people, including his own disciples, that “He it is, who coming after me is preferred before me, whose shoe’s latchet I am not worthy to unloose”.
Read yesterday’s Daily Manna here
John the Baptist was no doubt, a humble witness and servant of God. Indeed, his humility was infectious. The basis for true greatness in preaching, teaching and rendering service unto God is Christlike humility and lowliness.
True servants of God must humble themselves in all things. Whatever success they achieve in ministry, they must acknowledge God as the Source. When you honour Him this way, doing no more than He has assigned you, He will not only mark you a true witness but will also reward you greatly here on earth and in eternity. Be a true witness of the unchanging gospel.
21 May Daily Manna – THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: Christlike humility is the springboard to great achievements.
THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: 1 Samuel 3-5
