Daily Office Readings for Wednesday of the 2nd Week of Epiphany: Year 2
Morning, Psalm 38; Evening, Psalm 119:25 to 48;
Genesis 9:18 to 29; Hebrews 6:1 to 12; John 3:22 to 36:
“They came to John and said to him, “Rabbi, the one who was with you across the Jordan, to whom you testified, here he is baptizing, and all are going to him”” (John 3:26)
We should all learn from John. John the Baptist did the best job he could with no illusions about keeping his position as a baptizing servant of God as a permanent position. He told the people plainly that “He [Jesus] must increase, but I must decrease.” (John 3:30)
I have held positions of some responsibility in my life. I find the greatest reward for such work are not ribbons or medals but to meet my replacement and wish him or her God speed. All life is temporary. And within our temporary lives are even more temporary assignments or callings. I don’t think it is healthy or prudent for the position holder, or the people under his or her charge, to hold such a responsibility for too long. At some point we have to move on.
So we should take a page from John’s play-book and announce in advance that the time is surely coming when leadership will evolve. Stepping out and away from the limelight can be its own reward. It also gives us time to discern what the Spirit is calling us to next if it be God’s will.
As we listen to what the Spirit is saying to us, let us live to love, to serve, and to teach, while pondering anew what the Almighty can do. John
onewhoponders 