he must increase

I'm reading through the book of John.  One of the first things that has stuck out to me is how John the baptist was a man after God's heart.


When people were in awe of him and begging to know who he was (for he really must be a great man), he simply declared that he was just a voice: "the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, 'Make straight the way of the Lord'"(Jn 1:23).  He knew that his fulfilment was not found in his own greatness, but in proclaiming the Name of the Lord and urging all to repentance.

Even as he completed God's work on earth, he knew that it was far from perfect.  In fact, all of his good work could not make him even worthy enough to untie the sandals of Christ.  "I baptize with water, but among you stands one you do not know, even he who comes after me, the strap of whose sandal I am not worthy to untie" (Jn 1:27).  He realized the necessity of humility, and was not afraid of his own abasement.  "He must increase, but I must decrease" (Jn 3:30).

He acknowledged that mere effort does not gain righteousness, or knowledge of God of any kind.  Everything that man receives is a gift of God.  "A person cannot receive even one thing unless it is given him from heaven" (Jn 3:27).

Finally, he knew that salvation was a result of faith in Jesus Christ, and that disobedience (or unwillingness to believe) required God's wrath.  Yes, he believed that God will come in wrath on those who don't believe.  "Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him" (Jn 1:36).

Obedience.  Repentance.  Boldness.  Humility.  Faith.  These are the things that characterized John the baptist.

And these are the things I will pray that God establishes in me.