Saturday, January 3, 2004

When the men had come to him, they said, "John the Baptist has sent us to you to ask, 'Are you the one who is to come, or are we to wait for another?'"
(Luke 7.20 NRSV)

---

The competition going on within us is the competition between darkness and light, anger and joy, envy and love. You see, many of us have not read the story of John the Baptist very carefully. Even though he had a very special place in the plan of God, he could not be sure who Jesus was. He was walking by faith even as we are.

In prison, John sent a message to Jesus asking if he indeed was the One they had been awaiting. The point is that even though he was uncertain about Jesus, John was able to rise above any threat he may have felt to his own ministry. He was able to offer encouragement and support to one more talented than he. That is why Jesus would later say about John. "There has never been," said, Jesus, "a greater man than John the Baptist." (Mt. 11:11)

It takes a special person to rise above the threat of a person more talented, more gifted, more attractive. Do you have what it takes? You are a special child of God. Relax. Live in the light of the love of an abundant God and do not be afraid to share that love with anyone--even the person who may one day be your rival.

---

Dear God, help me to raise above my humanness. Amen.

Ron Newhouse

---

Help Promote Devotions.Net | Past Devotions

---

| Home | Bible | Devotions | Humor | Visitors | Links |