25 An argument developed between some of John’s disciples and a certain Jew over the matter of ceremonial washing. 26 They came to John and said to him, “Rabbi, that man who was with you on the other side of the Jordan—the one you testified about—look, he is baptizing, and everyone is going to him.”
27 To this John replied, “A person can receive only what is given them from heaven. 28 You yourselves can testify that I said, ‘I am not the Messiah but am sent ahead of him.’ 29 The bride belongs to the bridegroom. The friend who attends the bridegroom waits and listens for him, and is full of joy when he hears the bridegroom’s voice. That joy is mine, and it is now complete. 30 He must become greater; I must become less.”
Questions for Reflection:
In what way is it hard when you see someone else succeeding in something that you are not able to do or in an area that you are not cut out for?
Notice the joy and contentment that John had when Jesus was was increasing and he was decreasing. How can you and I experience this kind of contentment in this season? What would that look like?
Prayer of the Week:
Today’s Opening Prayer (including 2 minutes of silence)
Father, Son, Holy Spirit, I praise and thank you for the opportunity to be in your gracious presence in this moment. Jesus, restore me in You and renew me in you. Fill me afresh Holy Spirit, saturate me in Your Love, saturate me in your Life. Untangle me from my anxious thoughts, immerse me now in my true identity as a child of my heavenly Father and my irreplaceable role in Your larger story.
Jesus, help me STOP and own my utter need for You as my Savior, Leader, Lord, Hope and Life …
Jesus, open me up to receive You and all You have for me today …
I rest in You …
(Spend two minutes of reflective silence with eyes closed … just rest in the presence of yourself and Jesus!)
Daily Closing Prayer
Jesus, through the waiting of this Advent give me a deeper desire for you. I long for your return to make all things new! Jesus, I renounce any and all ways I tend to replace You through the celebrations and preparations of this season. Help me Re-see ways this season actually ignites my passion and longing for You. I want more of you Jesus. I need, utterly need, more of You Jesus. Fill me to overflowing with your life and your love.
Jesus through waiting I ask for more of your presence. I want to know you more. I want to spend all my day in side-by-side friendship with you. I receive You now.
I am excited to see what you can do today. I know you can do amazing things, and I would love to be a part of them.
I am waiting for your cue.
Amen
