Bowing to the Majesty of Christ or Cultivating Own Popularity?

Published on Jun 19, 2023
Category: Behold! | Devotion

Read the Bible in One Year: OT Joshua 22-24, NT Luke 3:1-38

Luke 3:15-16 The people were waiting expectantly and were all wondering in their hearts if John might possibly be the Messiah. John answered them all, “I baptize you with water. But one who is more powerful than I will come, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.

The majesty of Christ deserves our humble surrender.

In the bustling wilderness, John the Baptist stood as a beacon of truth and hope. People gathered around him, seeking guidance and wondering if he might be the long-awaited Messiah. However, John redirected their focus and humbly proclaimed the greatness of the One who would follow him reflecting his reverence and humility in the presence of Jesus’ majesty.

John understood the magnitude of the One who would come after him—the One whose power surpassed anything he had witnessed. Despite having many reasons to be proud, John humbly acknowledged his own unworthiness even to perform the lowliest task associated with the Messiah. He recognized that untying Jesus’ sandals was a privilege he did not deem himself worthy of undertaking.

John’s response teaches us a profound lesson about our own posture before Christ. When we truly comprehend the greatness of Jesus, our hearts are filled with awe and reverence. We recognize that we are nothing in comparison to His magnificence. In a world that exalts self-importance and self-promotion, the example of John the Baptist challenges us to embrace humility and magnify the greatness of Christ. Embracing humility means surrendering our desires, ambitions, and self-perceived worthiness before Him. Like John, we are called to humbly fulfill the tasks God has entrusted to us, pointing others toward Christ’s glory.

John’s humility reminds us that, no matter how gifted or influential we may be, we are mere servants in God’s grand plan. Just as John recognized his role in preparing the way for the Messiah, we too are called to humbly fulfill the tasks entrusted to us. Our lives are to reflect a posture of service, pointing others toward the greatness of Christ.

Recognizing the greatness of Jesus and surrendering our own desires and self-perceived worthiness leads us to a life of humble service. Our achievements and abilities should never overshadow our reverence for the Almighty. May we cultivate humility before the majesty of Christ and point others to His matchless glory.

Ponder

  1. Do I truly comprehend the greatness of Jesus and am I filled with awe and reverence in His presence?
  2. In what areas of my life am I struggling to embrace humility and surrender my desires and ambitions before Christ?
  3. Am I more focused on self-promotion and self-importance, or am I actively magnifying the greatness of Christ?

Scripture Writing: James 4:10

Song – Here I am to Worship

For more daily devotions like this – At the Potter’s Wheel (Kindle)

Author

Preethi Alice Jacob

Preethi Jacob is the author of the yearlong devotional At the Potter’s Wheel, Day by Day. Her journey includes teaching a Bible Study Fellowship class, teaching and leading the Sunday School ministry in her church, leading Bible studies, besides counselling young women. She serves on the Global Mission Team of the United Bible Societies and lives in Bangalore, India with her husband and two young adult children.

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