Becky Crenshaw

John the Baptist. This guy. Seriously one of my favorites in all of Scripture. He was the OG when it came to living counter culturally and being sold out, radical for God.

Oh how I would have LOVED being part of his journey as he prepared the way for Jesus to come. Locust and honey, though?… not so much. I could have done the honey. But not bugs.

Anyway.

John’s ministry was thriving. People listened to him. He had platform. Followers. His Insta would have trended big on social. Shares galore. He was the REEL deal. Get it?! Reels? *silence*

But enter Jesus and everything changed.

I am only here to prepare the way for Him. I am filled with joy at his success. He must become greater and greater and I must become less and less. John 3:28-30 NLT

This verse is the perfect showcase of just how counter culture John was. To be filled with joy at other’s success and intentionally become less so others could shine more! This is so Kingdom.

So Gospel.

Sooo not our society today.

Sometimes “preparing the way” for others to know Jesus looks like being “filled with joy at other’s success” even when it feels hard or unjust.

John the Baptist demonstrated this humility so well. His example causes me to look inward and find places in my own heart that feel entitled to accolade.

Before you go, know that you are not just heading out the door. You are being sent to prepare the way. You are the light of Christ in a world filled with spotlights, followers and shares. Sometimes “center stage” is really stage left, behind the scene or even clean up crew. Becoming less and less feels counter intuitive, I know, but done in the humility of Christ, His life becomes greater in you.

Lord Jesus, today we are the sent. Preparing the way for others to see the richness of a life lived sold out, radical for You. Let humility be a marker of our lives so You can become greater in us. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Further reading: John 3:22-36

*These are writings for my soon to be graduate son, FYI. Hope you enjoy.