"Not to us, O LORD"

Not to us, O LORD, not to us, But to Your name give glory Because of Your lovingkindness, because of Your truth. Ps. 115:1

Do you ever really stop to consider the fact that the stars which shine so brightly against the velvety backdrop of the night sky are still very much present in the light of day? They haven’t left. They do not disappear.

Stars which shined so brightly prior to dawn become obscured by a surpassing light transcending all other lights combined. In fact, the light they bear is not their own, but only a reflection of the greater light. In the darkness, their light is a witness of this greater light. (John 1:7)

Following Jesus’ baptism, John’s disciples quarreled with a Jewish man over issues regarding Jesus’ rapidly increasing number of followers. The Pharisees had heard that Jesus was baptizing even more than John had. (Though Jesus Himself was not baptizing, but His disciples were.) (John 4:1-2)

John responded, “He who has the bride is the groom. But the groom's friend, who stands by and listens for him, rejoices greatly at the groom's voice. So my joy is complete. He must increase; but I must decrease.” John 3:29-30

John recognized that the light he bore served as a forerunner, preparing the way as a witness for One greater than he. It gave John great joy to now step aside as Christ took center stage.

Jesus said, "I am the Light of the world; he who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life." - John 8:12

As followers of Christ, we no longer walk in darkness, because we have the Light of life within us as a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path (Ps. 119:105), that we may shine as lights in the world amidst a crooked and twisted generation. (Phil. 2:15) 

FAITH IN ACTION: 

Let your light shine as a witness to what Christ has done for and in you. May your joy be made full as you give Him center stage in all you say and do. 

Not to us, O LORD, not to us, but to YOU be all the glory!