How many followers have you got?

​1-15-23

My devotion for the day is based on John 1:29.30, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! … A man who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.”
In this fascinating passage, we see John pointing Jesus out to his disciples, declaring Jesus greater than himself. In doing so, he began to lose followers to Jesus. John knew his job here was not to have his own followers – he was here to gather followers together, ready for Jesus.
‘Having a following’ is a language we are accustomed to in today’s society, especially in the online world. It’s important to people in many contexts, even with Christian influencers, personalities, and churches. Perhaps popularity and numbers are in danger of becoming more important than the gospel message or the one true God we are supposed to follow.
Please pray with me, Lord; thank you for the reminder of John’s humility and his example in pointing to you and away from himself. Help us remember this in the decisions we make, the influences we try to have, and the work we do, even in your name. May we walk humbly, pointing to you, even at the cost of our popularity. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.