The Tattler Disciples (John 3, especially vs 22, 26-27, 30, 34-35 KJV)

 My dream of someday singing 'You Yi Jian Li Wu' (A Gift) to friends who had yet to accept Christ finally came true.  I was smugly happy and I don't know about you but sometimes when I do mission work I feel very happy.  There's even pride that I can do this,  that rises and puffs me up instead of giving God the glory.  It's as if the messenger is more than the message.

This is why John the Baptizer was impressive.  He must have gained quite a number of disciples with all his preaching and baptizing.  You see, when some of his disciples came to tattle on Jesus, saying that He was baptizing folks too, John put in a good word for Jesus.

"He must increase, but I must decrease" he told them (John 3:30 KJV).

In other words, John was saying, "This is as it should be."

John added,

"A man can receive nothing except it be given him from heaven" (John 3:27 KJV).

It was to Jesus that God the Father had,

"given all things into His hand" (John 3:35).

Jesus was taking up His own mantle and His 'cross' before the literal cross and living out His purpose for which He'd come to earth.  He is the One to whom we should give credit.  

Whatever we have has come from Him and is not of ourselves.  They are gifts from God.  So whatever we use to bring others to believe in the Son Jesus, whether it's our voice, or possessions, or whatever, it's all been given from Him.

Being jealous of another's ministry is not necessary.  If each messenger's message is to promote Jesus, to make Him increase whilst we ourselves decrease, then we are 'doing our job' for His glory.

By grace we do what we do and therefore can freely give God the glory.  Salvation comes from Him.  We can rejoice and be glad in Him and the opportunities He gives us in whichever ministry He purposes for us to do.  But it doesn't eliminate the joy of serving.

Thank You Lord Jesus for the gifts and opportunities you give us to bring Your good news to the people of the earth.  To You be all glory given.  In Your name we praise, amen.

                                                     ~ ERC  October 2025 ~

Based on John 3:22, 26-27, 30, 34-35 KJV.

Sing, To God Be the Glory, along with Reawaken Hymns, and A Gift, along with Heavenly Melodies.

Apologies:  The Chinese may not be what it should but hopefully it is legible enough.