Press the arrow to listen to Jared Anderson’s song “Glorified.”

Scripture
John replied, “No one can receive anything unless God gives it from heaven. John 3:27

Observation
I heard a friend pray the other day, “Father, what you want to be done, let it be done.” We were praying about a future decision. At first, his prayer seemed passive to me. It did not have direction, I thought. But as I reflected on his prayer, it seemed perfect for the situation.

There is so much pushing, shoving, stretching and clutching to grasp what seems just beyond our reach. There are times this kind of effort seems to please God, and he rewards it greatly. But more often, he is pleased with a settledness in his purposes, even when they involve our deepest aspirations.

John the Baptist could have wanted more for himself. He had a communication gift. He could draw a crowd even in a deserted place. Young men left their plans just to live near him and to learn from him. But John was happy with what the Father gave him for that moment. For a little season he had a crowd, then that crowd followed the Messiah. His disciples did not understand because they were looking at all the things that flattered John. But the rustic prophet was looking instead at what glorified the Messiah.

Application
My eyes need to be turned away from all of the tools and opportunities that the Lord gives me to glorify him. Instead, my eyes need to be fixed, like John, on the Messiah. It does not matter what I get out of serving Christ. All that matters is that the Lamb is glorified.

Prayer
Father, sometimes I forget and get things inverted. I choose today to remember that this is not about me. It is about you. Amen.