Less Is Often Best

...and calling together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea; for so it has been written by the prophet: ‘And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who is to shepherd my people Israel.’” (Matt 2:4-6 NRSV)

I come from the country and I love the country. I enjoy small towns where everyone knows everyone and where just about everyone cares for their neighbors.  There are also those who love the hubbub of busy city life. They enjoy the seemingly unending activities that can be found in the city. One is not better than the other. For me less is usually better. Less crowds, less noise, less traffic; less is better. 

Jesus came from what many would consider less.  He was born to a very young woman (a teen-ager) with no real social standing. He was born in a barn. He was born in Bethlehem, which at the time was nothing more than a small village. Out of the least of these places came the shepherd who would rule God's people. 

The least is often times the best of things to be. 

God's Peace - Pr. J

Becoming Less

They came to John and said to him, “Rabbi, that man who was with you on the other side of the Jordan—the one you testified about—look, he is baptizing, and everyone is going to him.”

To this John replied, “A person can receive only what is given them from heaven. You yourselves can testify that I said, ‘I am not the Messiah but am sent ahead of him.’ The bride belongs to the bridegroom. The friend who attends the bridegroom waits and listens for him, and is full of joy when he hears the bridegroom’s voice. That joy is mine, and it is now complete. He must become greater; I must become less.”

                                                                                 (John 3:26-30 NIV)

John and Jesus are cousins; most probably friends, as well. They both are called for specific purposes to serve God and humankind. There is no jealousy between the two. There is no competition. John in no way tries to usurp Jesus' authority. When John is about to leave the service of God on earth, by nothing less than death, he is more than willing to become less so that Christ may become not just greater; but, the greatest that has ever walked and served upon the earth.

It would be so awesome if the servants of God on earth today would be so willing to step aside when their time is done so that others that God has called can do the ministry to which they also have been called. But, often they don't. Their egos get in the way.

It should be a joyful thing to see others step up to serve the Lord in faith.

God's Peace - Pr. J