Listen:
“They came to John and said to him, ‘Rabbi, the one who was with you across the Jordan, to whom you testified, here he is baptizing, and all are going to him. ‘” (John 3:26 NRSV)
Reflect:
God’s perfect timing: Yesterday my husband and I moved to a new place. Leaving our family home of 31 years, albeit with a six year break in Switzerland where I discovered such beauty in mountains, lakes and Lifesprings! Today I am surrounded by boxes. After 3 exhausting days I am desperate to unpack, sort and settle and I have to spend time writing this (Yes, I could have written it last month!!). God knew that I needed to stop, spend time resting in his presence and asking his help. What a gift and a blessing. He knows our needs.
Pause: See that Father knows just where you are and how you are doing.
Are John’s disciples indignant and a bit upset.? They are losing influence and some reflected glory. We know John’s gracious response; “He must increase….”. How does he feel as he contemplates the end of his ministry? Grateful, blessed, or put to one side, no longer needed?
Pause: How do you identify with John, or his disciples?
Over the last few months, many of us have lost something or someone, a ministry, a calling, a purpose. We have faced challenges big and small. Freedom has been curtailed and uncertainty about the future increased.
Pause: Name your losses and uncertainties to Jesus.
“All are going to him”, they said. I find myself confused and battered by events. Yet there is shelter in the eye of the storm. As I draw close to Jesus, I find deep love, peace and acceptance. He is trustworthy. He is with us whatever we face.
Pause: Go to Jesus. Picture Him smiling a welcome. Stay close.
Prayer of Response:
—Submitted by Elaine Davis
Just landed in a new place, nearer children and grandchildren. Grateful for a really nice flat with a new community of neighbors to connect with whilst we seek a more permanent home.
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