John 3:30-31 He must increase, but I must decrease. He who comes from above is above all, he who is of the earth is from the earth and speaks of the earth. He who comes from heaven is above all.
We are encouraged by these verses that Jesus is above all men and all things. John understood, and so should we, that we are of the earth and from below. In contrast, Jesus is from heaven and therefore should have first place in all things. This reminds us of what Paul wrote to the Colossians in 1:15-20.
He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things have been created through Him and for Him. He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. He is also head of the body, the church; and He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that He Himself will come to have first place in everything. For it was the Father’s good pleasure for all the fullness to dwell in Him, and through Him to reconcile all things to Himself, having made peace through the blood of His cross; through Him, I say, whether things on earth or things in heaven.
John came into public ministry before Jesus, however, John knew as soon as the Messiah was revealed publicly, he was to decrease in importance and significance. He was to move out of the spotlight and put Jesus in the spotlight. As we live to love with Jesus today, may we decrease and Jesus increase. May we put Jesus in first place in all things, making much of Him, so others may be saved and sanctified through Him. He must increase, but we must decrease.
I invite you to become a partner in our ministry. Would you pray about becoming a regular supporter of Elijah Ministries and the Live to Love with Jesus ministry? I hope you will receive the joy and benefit of “giving it forward,” so others may receive encouragement to turn their hearts to God and to live to love with Jesus. You may give online or send a check to the address listed at www.spiritofelijah.com/donate.
