Re: POWER of PRAYER- No Matter Which Faith You Follow=GOD is With You
Measuring Greatness
John the Baptist would not let himself be distracted from leading a life of great consequence. The gospel of John tells us, "Now a discussion arose between some of John's disciples and a Jew over purification. And they came to John and said to him, 'Rabbi, he who was with you across the Jordan, to whom you bore witness__look, he is baptizing, and all are going to him.'" (John 3:25-26, ESV). John's followers were speaking of Jesus. Evidently, they had theological concerns about him. Maybe they had heard about his miracle at Cana and thought he had mishandled those cisterns that normally held water for purification but ended up holding wine.
Regardless, John wasn't going to be distracted by the debate. He knew that something greater than doctrinal sticking points was at stake. "John answered, 'A person cannot receive even one thing unless it is given him from heaven.'" (John 3:27). In other words: "Can someone work a miracle like this if he hasn't been sent by God? That kind of power comes only from heaven."
What John says next is powerful: "You yourselves bear me witness, that I said, 'I am not the Christ, but I have been sent before him.'...He must increase, but I must decrease" (John 3:28, 30). John's focus in life was clear; his holy calling was centered completely on Jesus. For that reason, John the Baptist was known as a great man.
The problem for many of us today, in our success-driven culture, is that we seek great things for ourselves. We may convince ourselves we are pursuing things for God, but is Jesus really our focus? Without rigorous examination of our hearts, we won't be able to discern whether we are pleasing our Savior or following an inner longing for validation.
The prophet Jeremiah addressed this question directly: "And do you seek great things for yourself? Seek them not, for behold, I am bringing disaster upon all flesh, declares the Lord. But I will give you your life as a prize of war in all places to which you may go" (Jeremiah 45:5). Jeremiah makes clear that God's measurement of greatness is much different from the world's.
As Jesus himself said, "...You know that those who are considered rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. But it shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all" (Mark 10:42-44).
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I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people -- for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. 1 Timothy 2:1-4
Last edited by Tarfoot; 11-02-26 at 17:00.
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