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Reflections: Daily Devotions in Disability Ministry

True Greatness

August 10, 2010

Matthew 3:11 & Matthew 11:10-11
[John said this about Jesus] I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me will come one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not fit to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. (NIV)

[Jesus said this about John] This is the one about whom it is written: “I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you.” I tell you the truth: Among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet he who is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.

When it comes to sports, the competitions never stop. In summer, there is baseball and tennis. Fall brings football and soccer. Winter and spring are the times for basketball and hockey. Other sports, like swimming, track, golf, speed skating, bicycle racing, and many others take place throughout the year.

In every sport there is competition. Competition is the desire and the effort put forth to be the very best…to be number one, the top dog.

According to Jesus, John the Baptist was the greatest man ever born. And yet somehow, the person who is least in God’s kingdom is greater than John. How can that be? How can you be both the greatest and the least at the same time?

In sports, being great is all about being better than anyone else. Greatness is measured by being superior to others. John the Baptist did not see himself as great. He said he was not even worthy to take the sandals off of Jesus’ feet.

John’s greatness was not in being better than other people. He was great because he believed Jesus was true God who came down from heaven to take away our sins. His greatness was in pointing people so clearly and so powerfully to Jesus as God’s Chosen One to save us. Many came to know and believe in Jesus through John’s preaching. John was not afraid to speak God’s Word to others…even when it put him in danger and finally cost him his life.

We can learn from John the Baptist. True greatness has nothing to do with being better than other people. What God considers great is our faithful witness to Him. When we point people to the love of Jesus…now, that’s great.

Dear heavenly Father, help us to be like John the Baptist, to be Your clear and faithful witnesses. Help us lead others to know and believe in Jesus. Amen.

Rev. Michael Schempf, Chaplain – WI
http://bethesdalutherancommunities.org/resources/spiritualResources/pmc.asp

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