Time to Give in

He must increase, but I must decrease.

John 3:30 (HCSB)

We have in the Bible several examples of men who, after a certain time in the service of God, must give way to others to replace them. What's interesting is that they all understood that their calling was for a time, and when the time came to give in, they took pleasure in ensuring the transition. We have Moses and Joshua, Elijah and Elisha, just to name a few.

In this passage, from verse 22 to 35, we see John the Baptist facing the rise of Jesus Christ in popularity and works. Although his job was entrusted to him by God, he knew that he was not the center of attention and that the time had come to make way for the person qualified and equipped to replace him. None of his messages were focused on himself and his calling. Rather, he was preparing the hearts of his listeners to receive the Kingdom message that Jesus would preach.

Whatever your calling, know that the time will come when you must give way to another to continue. Paul understood this stage in his ministry, which is why he prepared men capable of responding to God's call. Even today, his epistles equip and prepare us to become active workers in the ministry. Follow the example of Paul and Moses, do not wait until the last moment, start introducing those who will succeed you into the harvest because your time to give way to another will arrive.

May the grace and the peace of God be with you all.