DAY 1: JESUS MUST INCREASE, I MUST DECREASE

DAY 1: JESUS MUST INCREASE, I MUST DECREASE

Key Scriptures:

He must increase, I must decrease (John 3:30)

Observation:

We kicked off NECF’S 40 Day Prayer and Fast yesterday in churches all across Malaysia. Day 1 focuses on a fundamental truth and basic goal that all Christians need to aspire to. It is embodied in the words of John the Baptist, who said “He must increase, I must decrease.” So crucial in our Christian walk is the gradual losing of our old selves with its sinful habits and inclinations, and the gradual increase of the characteristics and qualities of our Lord Jesus in our lives.

John the Baptist embodied this attitude most exemplarily in his life and service. As quoted in Day 1’s commentary of J.Oswald Chambers, John the Baptist was a preacher who lost his entire congregation to Jesus Christ. His sole purpose was to serve God, without any thought for personal glory or popularity. From birth, He was filled with the Holy Spirit, and he preached boldly without fear or favor. His message was not one for popularity or sweet words people would like to hear. He thundered his call for repentance for the day of the Lord is near.

He knew his mission as the friend of the bridegroom. The focus is on the bridegroom and the bride. He was there just to assist, just to help the bridegroom wherever he could. He lived a life of selfless service, and the Lord commended him as the greatest among men born of women.

Application:

Meditate on and commit to memory the words “He must decrease, I must decrease.” Put it up on a prominent spot to remind ourselves of this profound truth and goal of our lives. Let us learn to pray earnestly to the Lord “Have Your way in me, so Increase in me….”Remember the life of John the Baptist who lived not for self but for the Lord and to prepare the way for Him in the hearts of the people. Ask the Lord to forgive our selfishness, and to learn to forget of ourselves as we focus on serving Him.

Prayer:

Precious Lord Jesus, let this be our prayer, that You increase all the more in us day by day. Let our earthly desires and inclinations fade away, but let our love and desire for You grow stronger and stronger. Teach us to serve You like John the Baptist did, selflessly, fearlessly and sacrificially, without thought for his own glory or popularity. Help us remember O Lord, that it is only in You that we have true purpose and meaning in life. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.