John replied, “No one can receive anything unless God gives it from heaven.”

John the Baptist knew who he was as a man of God and he knew what God had called him to do in life. He knew that he was not the Messiah. He knew that he was only sent by God to prepare the way for the Messiah. He said, ‘”It is the bridegroom who marries the bride, and the bridegroom’s friend is simply glad to stand with him and hear his vows”‘ (John 3:29). Since, by analogy, John was just the “best man,” he accepted his position and was happy to do what he was called to do in life.

John also knew who Jesus was as the Son of Man from God. He knew that Jesus was the Messiah. He said, “I saw the Holy Spirit descending like a dove from heaven and resting upon him,” (John 1:32). This was the sign God had promised him in order to identify the Messiah. When John actually saw it, he knew Jesus was the true Messiah. He knew that Jesus was the “Chosen one of God,” (John 1:34).

Given this revelation, John also knew that there was a time limit on his ministry. His disciples were upset that people were going over to Jesus rather than coming to John, but he did not allow this to disturb him. He knew that Jesus’ ministry must become greater and that his ministry must become less (John 3:26-30). His disciples were jealous of Jesus for John, but John knew better.

John was a true man of God. He knew that a person cannot do anything for God unless God sends the person and bestows the necessary spiritual gifts for the mission. It doesn’t matter what a person thinks he should do for God. What matters is what God thinks a person should do for Him. A true man or woman of God does not go beyond the call of God, does not go beyond the gifts that have been given. There is no place for jealousy, envy, and covetousness about someone else’s ministry in the Kingdom. Like John, we should be satisfied with what God has given us to do for Him.

John’s message to us today is this: Be you and not somebody else. Be at peace and happy with the special tasks and callings God has given to just you in His Kingdom.

By John Huisman, friend of Bible League International