Issue link: https://cp.revolio.com/i/1229658
Whose Ministry Is This Anyway? Debbie Edwards Have you ever thought about the unique relationship between Jesus and John the Baptist? The Bible tells us their mothers were related. Close in age (John being about 6 months older) and close in proximity, they probably encountered each other as they grew up. Family celebrations, holidays and gatherings would have given them the opportunity to play together, exchange stories, share experiences and tell family jokes. Coming from similar circumstances, they understood each other at a human level. However, I would venture to speculate on a few other possible dynamics not noted in scripture. Consider John. An unusual man would be an understatement. He was the last in a centuries old line of Old Testament prophets. His dress and lifestyle attested to that. He was likely told at a very young age that the hand of the Lord was on him in a special way (Luke 1). People took note of this at his birth and probably mentioned it to him from time to time. His gif ting and anointing would have been recognized. Being raised with this message of being "special" could have easily resulted in an inflated ego. Couple this with unprecedented ministry success by the time he was 30 years old. Matthew 3:5 says that people f rom Jerusalem, all Judea and all over the Jordan valley went to see and hear John. They were thinking that maybe, just maybe they finally had their long awaited Messiah. It was a set - up inviting pride and arrogance to creep in for sure, as well as the te mptation to be possessive of and impressed with his own accomplishments. Several things become clear about John the Baptist as we read the accounts of his life in the gospels. John knew who he was. Over and over he tells those listening that he himself is not the messiah but is preparing the way for the promised savior much as a herald goes ahead to announce that the king is right behind him. He never once wavers from this conviction, tempting as it may have been for him to claim the glory for himself. In the Gospel of John 3:22 - 36, John the Baptist's disciples complain to their teacher that people are going to Jesus to be baptized. "How dare he steal their sheep?" "How dare he baptize…isn't that your idea John?" "Everyone is going to him instead of us." "How dare this young upstart do that to our ministry?" PAGE 4 / WWW.BLACKSHEEPHDFC.ORG "John, you are older, more experienced and you were here first." We see John respond by putting a damper on their fears that their ministry is being stolen out from under them. In the Gospel of John 3:27 he reminds them that God is the giver of all we receive including those to whom we have the opportunity to minister. He served faithfully, but if God chose to transfer his followers to Jesus, John was okay with that. He verifies that Jesus is the true bridegroom and his (John's) job is to be the best man at the wedding, prepare the bride and then stand by as she is giv en to the groom. He confesses being filled with joy at Jesus' success, not jealous of His growing ministry. John also knew what he was called to be and was comfortable and confident in who he was, not yearning or striving for more. The statement in The Gospel of John 3: 30, "He must become greater and greater and I must become less and less , " causes me to marvel at how secure in his faith and calling John must have been. He does not seem to agonize over suddenly finding himself less popular. He does n ot berate those disciples who choose to change spiritual teachers and go with Jesus instead. For John, promoting Jesus was job one and for him that was the ultimate success. He cared little for how big a group he could gather or how successful on a world scale he could become. He was keenly aware that God's ways are not our ways. So what can we, as followers of Jesus Christ learn from John's example and what does this mean for us as Black Sheep? First, I need to know who I am as a child of God, secure i n my faith and knowing I am beloved. Nothing can change that. Second, I need to remember I have been given a purpose and a calling to fulfill. I have also been given or will be given everything I need to complete my mission…time, talents, treasures and resources. I need to keep that in mind as I serve Him by serving others. I can lay claim to none of it as a result of my own abilities, intelligence or wisdom. Thirdly, it's Jesus' story and I get to play a part trusting in His goodness, guidance and f aithfulness. I must never hold too tightly because in the end I will give it all back to Him. As we consider the life of John the Baptist, let me ask you a few questions: "Is this ministry yours or God's? Is it your chapter or God's? What happens when you are no longer the chapter president or you happen to lose an election? Do you find yourself vying for position and recognition in your HOG chapter or in your Black Sheep chapter? Are you as comfortable riding in the back of the pack as you are when you are in front? Are there jobs in the chapter that you consider beneath you? It is my hope that we would all learn to serve with as much freedom, confidence, joy and humility as John the Baptist.