Lent 2024 | Day 14

By Janet Nygren
Day 14 (Thursday, Feb 29)

As I enter prayer now, I pause to be still; to breathe slowly, to re-center my scattered senses upon the presence of God.¹

Pause and pray.

“Jesus and his disciples went out into the Judean countryside, where he spent some time with them, and baptized. Now John also was baptizing at Aenon near Salim, because there was plenty of water, and people were coming and being baptized… An argument developed between some of John’s disciples and a certain Jew over the matter of ceremonial washing. 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 3:22-30)

Think about it.

This account about John the Baptist gives us another example of a J-Curve concerning reputation. John is very clear about his role–he is not the Messiah, but was sent ahead of Jesus to proclaim his coming. He is not in competition with Jesus, but rejoices in the privilege that he has to serve Jesus. There’s a resurrection moment when John is rewarded with hearing the voice of the bridegroom. He is full of joy.

Consider.

As we seek to know Jesus better, even as we humble ourselves, we begin to think about ourselves less. Like cheering for a favorite team, we are drawn into the action and our focus is not on us. When we see what Jesus is doing, we celebrate and experience joy. Can you think of a time when you were so convinced you saw God at work that you forgot about your own role?

Pause and Pray.

Jesus, help me to know you better.

“Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days.” Psalm 90:14

Notes
1. Prayer used daily in Lectio365 found at https://www.24-7prayer.com/resource/lectio-365/