REFLECTIONS

Becoming Less

Budding trees and fields of blooming flowers mark the coming of spring. Better though is the promise of winter’s end. Seasons are defined by their prevailing features— spring by its freshness, summer by the length and warmth of its days, fall by its vibrant colors and cooling nights. Then comes winter. For me it’s defined most by its cold and darkness, sometimes restful, but most often uncomfortable. Seasons are part of God’s order of life in his creation. Not only human life, but of all life.

Think about the trees. Born from seed, they live through numerous seasonal cycles to bear fruit of various kinds before giving way to trees younger and stronger to carry on. So too is human life. For most, there are more than a few seasonal cycles to live. But think about life’s seasons—birth, preparation, fruit bearing, then preparing the way for those who follow before stepping into a lesser role. All within God’s orderly plan. Think about this one.

There came a man who was sent from God; his name was John. (John 1:6) His birth was unusual because of his parents’ age; but God had plans for him. His early years were in the desert living on locusts and wild honey preparing for the season ahead. It too was in the desert, this one in Judea where he preached the message of repentance and baptized those who sought to be cleansed. But he knew all along that one greater than him would follow. His job was to prepare the way. When the Messiah came, his job was to become less. These were his seasons—birth, preparation, bearing fruit, becoming less.

Based on descriptions of the man we know as John the Baptist, he was an eccentric fellow, reclusive, drawn to nature, but unafraid to speak his mind. He rose to distinction because he would tell anyone to their face about the fallen world and the sinful nature of man. John’s message reminded followers of God’s commandments, that everyone fell short of them, and to cleanse their souls from their sins required sacrifices. But in the end, they needed the sacrificial blood of a Savior, the one for whom John the Baptist paved the way.

John the Baptist reached the pinnacle of success in his own right. Loyal followers grew in numbers every day. His message captured attention and inspired action. Only his job wasn’t to remain in the lead role; and he knew it. “He must become greater; I must become less,” he said.

Becoming less—a season of life—perhaps even the most important.

You are the light of the world,

Richard +

www.reflectingthesavior.org

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