John 3:28-29

The Baptist, being so influential, had been investigated by the Jewish leaders of his day. He had indeed confessed freely to them that he was not the Christ. Rather, John was sent ahead as an ambassador to prepare the way for Jesus’ coming by calling the people back to a proper relationship with God through the repentance of their sins. God was signaling a turning point in His dealings with mankind through the Baptist giving them a “heads up” if you will of the “edges of His ways”.

14 And these are but the outer fringe of his works; how faint the whisper we hear of him! Who then can understand the thunder of his power?" Job 26:14 (NIV)

We find earlier in John the following to support this:

19 Now this was John's testimony when the Jews of Jerusalem sent priests and Levites to ask him who he was. 20 He did not fail to confess, but confessed freely, "I am not the Christ." John 1:19-20 (NIV)

Mark also tells us:

4 And so John came, baptizing in the desert region and preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. Mark 1:4 (NIV)

Isaiah’s words in Chapter 40 prophesized John the Baptist’s ministry:

3 A voice of one calling: "In the desert prepare the way for the LORD; make straight in the wilderness a highway for our God. Isaiah 40:3 (NIV)

“Neither the frowns of the chief priests, nor the flatteries of his own disciples, could not make him change his note.” Matthew Henry

John was the forerunner of Christ and he was assured of his calling, hence he found his joy fulfilled in Jesus’ growing influence. He had great satisfaction in the advancement of Christ. Faithful modern day disciples of Jesus should have that same satisfaction in Jesus’ growing influence as well being assured of our calling to make Jesus known.

“According to the New Testament, God wills that the church be a people who show what God is like.” Stanley J. Grenz

No one is more exhausted than one who is constantly striving to appear great in the eyes of men. While certain attributes man perhaps possesses could be considered great, man is not great. It is God alone who is great. Indeed, the Bible tells us:

5 Should you then seek great things for yourself? Seek them not. Jer 45:5 (NIV)

“True glory and holy joy is to glory in Thee and not in one’s self.” Thomas a Kempis

God is not into man’s “Big Dog” mentality. To be sure, David, the man after God’s own heart had the correct mindset when he penned:

3 When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, 4 what is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him? Psalms 8:3-4 (NIV)

As believers left in this world yet not the world in us, our work is to reveal Jesus to our spheres of influence. Just as Jesus came to make the Father known, accomplishing the work He was sent by God to do, so too, we are on a divine mission.

4 I have brought you glory on earth by completing the work you gave me to do. John 17:4 (NIV)

18 Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." Matt 28:18-20 (NIV)

We bring much glory to God through our obedience to His call and certainly our lives are most satisfied when God is most glorified as John Piper states.

“A concern for the glory of God is the ultimate motive for Christian living.” Anonymous

As the Baptist tells us, the fullness of joy is found in bringing the light of Christ to the souls of men.

“Joy is the most infallible sign of the presence of God.” Leon Bloy

“The surest mark of a Christian is not faith, or even love, but joy.” Samuel Shoemaker