Daily Devotional – Thursday, June 9, 2022
And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all peoples to Myself.
John 12:32 (NKJV)
Majority of the television stations available in my decoder are Christian-oriented. They broadcast many programs, including sermons, praise and worship, exorcism and Bible study.
Most of these stations belong to celebrity televangelists. Churches also compete for airtime on popular secular TV stations. Whichever the approach, the gospel keeps reaching more people every day.
If I Am Lifted Up
On the flipside, though, there is a tendency to focus on the preacher instead of Jesus. Some of the adherents idolize their spiritual fathers at the expense of God. Instead of believers praising Jesus, they exalt the pastor.
In reference to His approaching death, Christ told His followers, “And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all peoples to Myself.” (John 12:32). When He suffered and died on the cross, Jesus drew the world to Himself.
He Must Increase
The work of a preacher is to lift Jesus up for others to be drawn to the Saviour. Like John the Baptist, the minister must adopt this attitude towards Jesus, “He must increase, but I must decrease.” (John 3:30).
Church ushers, music leaders and Christians in general have one important responsibility – to life Jesus up. In our charity work, we must ascribe all glory to God the Giver. This ego-humbling work is what Jesus calls us to do.
As people congratulate you for a powerful sermon, an inspiring song or generous giving, remember this statement. “I am the LORD, that is My name; And My glory I will not give to another…” (Isaiah 42:8).
Prayer
Lord Jesus, receive glory and honour for everything You do through me.
