11 January, Saturday — Supporting Act

Saturday after Epiphany

1 Jn 5:14-21
Jn 3:22-30

“This same joy I feel, and now is complete.”

I used to join a performing arts choir when I was a younger adult. We endeavored to stage two shows a year. However, as a fledgling choir, we did not have the means nor funding, so we did everything ourselves. On top of performing, we did our own props, makeup, costumes. We even did our own marketing and design. But we all had one goal in mind — to put on the best show that we could. We learnt, very quickly, that we needed each other to achieve that goal — no one section could do without the other. Of course, there were differences, but we put aside those differences because we knew that the show was more important. But the joy and fulfillment at the end of the show always brought us to tears: part relief that it was over, part sadness that the show had ended its run, but always joy that we got to experience this together.

John the Baptist knew that he was part of something bigger, that he was the supporting role to the main act – “He must increase; I must decrease”. John had a mission to pave the way for the Messiah, to prepare the people’s hearts to receive Jesus. He did not strive for the spotlight, even if there were masses that followed him. Rather, he reminded his disciples (and us) that the glory belongs to Christ.

In all that we do for God, whatever our ministry, be it great or small, our names may be etched next to our achievements, and it is so easy to bask in the praise and recognition and ‘likes’ that we receive. It gives us that dopamine rush of excitement that makes us want more of it. We need to calm that part of us and remind ourselves of John’s words. Our followers should not follow us because of us, but because of Jesus. Whether we sing, write, preach beautifully – it is not because we are better, but because God is using us to pave the way for Him to work His grace on His people. He called them to Him through us, they are not there because of us. We are the clay in God’s hands, doing His work. We are the ‘mini Johns’, doing our own bit in our little ways. But the glory will always belong to God. And isn’t that just a wonderful thing to be a part of?

There will be tears of frustration, doubt, pain. But my joy will always be complete doing what God has chosen me to do.

(Today’s OXYGEN by Annette Soo)

Prayer: Almighty Lord, it is so wonderful to be called by You to use what little I have to make a difference in Your gracious Name. My heart is so full knowing that I am, and can be part of something bigger, that is Your plan. As we set forth in this new year, I pray for Your constant guidance in Your plan for me and to do what is right with all my might.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     Thanksgiving: Lord, thank you for including us in Your plan. We sometimes doubt what we can do and think we may be insignificant or unworthy, but You have called us despite our iniquities. Thank you for allowing us to partake in the joy of Your salvation.