Given From Heaven

In John 3:25-30, John the Baptist disciples come to him with a complaint. They said that everyone is going over to be baptized by Jesus and his disciples. John's following was decreasing and his disciples were concerned about this.

John gives this reply in verse 27 - "A person can receive only what is given them from heaven."

This is a profound statement and truth that we need to get hold of. John recognized that God called him to a specific area of ministry which was preparing the way for the Christ. John understood his calling and the limits of his calling. He wasn't upset or jealous because Jesus was getting a greater following. He understood that God was in control and this was His plan.

Sometimes as ministers of the Lord we look at other peoples ministries and get upset even jealous because there ministry is bigger and greater than our ministry. Yet, we shouldn't be comparing ourselves with others. 

2 Corinthians 10:12 says, "We do not dare to classify or compare ourselves with some who commend themselves. When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are not wise."

God has a specific plan and purpose for you to fulfill as a minister of the Lord. God has set up certain boundaries that our ministry is to fall between. The boundaries and calling God has given others may be larger, greater, and even more glorious, while this may not be what God intended for you. We always think bigger and more is better, only if this what God desires for you. We know God is limitless. He may limit us, not in power, not in strength, not in wisdom, not in the Holy Spirit, but 
limit our sphere of ministry.

Also John the Baptist declared in verse 30 - " He must become greater; I must become less.”

John understood that he was only there as a precursor of the Messiah. He was only setting the stage for Jesus ministry. He was only building the scaffolding for Christ greater ministry. Often God has called us to do the same thing. Many great ministries were built on the foundations that were laid by others. A foundation is small compared to the over all size of the building. It usually unseen and doesn't receive much attention, but it is essential for the longevity and success of the building.

I think of my father who worked tirelessly in Guinea and Sierra Leon, Africa for 9 year with very little harvest or visible fruit of their tireless work among the Muslims. They left Sierra Leon with only one convert who was a boy at the time who later went to Bible School. This pastor now has established many churches. My dad's ministry was not head line news, but he was faithful with what God had called him to do. He laid the foundation for future ministry.