“He Must Increase”
143
Jesus knew that they would spare no effort to create a division
between His own disciples and those of John. He knew that the
storm was gathering which would sweep away one of the greatest
prophets ever given to the world. Wishing to avoid all occasion for
misunderstanding or dissension, He quietly ceased His labors, and
withdrew to Galilee. We also, while loyal to truth, should try to avoid
all that may lead to discord and misapprehension. For whenever these
arise, they result in the loss of souls. Whenever circumstances occur
that threaten to cause division, we should follow the example of Jesus
and of John the Baptist.
John had been called to lead out as a reformer. Because of this, his
disciples were in danger of fixing their attention upon him, feeling that
the success of the work depended upon his labors, and losing sight
of the fact that he was only an instrument through which God had
wrought. But the work of John was not sufficient to lay the foundation
of the Christian church. When he had fulfilled his mission, another
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work was to be done, which his testimony could not accomplish. His
disciples did not understand this. When they saw Christ coming in to
take the work, they were jealous and dissatisfied.
The same dangers still exist. God calls a man to do a certain work;
and when he has carried it as far as he is qualified to take it, the Lord
brings in others, to carry it still farther. But, like John’s disciples, many
feel that the success of the work depends on the first laborer. Attention
is fixed upon the human instead of the divine, jealousy comes in, and
the work of God is marred. The one thus unduly honored is tempted to
cherish self-confidence. He does not realize his dependence on God.
The people are taught to rely on man for guidance, and thus they fall
into error, and are led away from God.
The work of God is not to bear the image and superscription of
man. From time to time the Lord will bring in different agencies,
through whom His purpose can best be accomplished. Happy are they
who are willing for self to be humbled, saying with John the Baptist,
“He must increase, but I must decrease.”
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