Behind The Scenes

Read: John 3:22-36

He must increase, but I must decrease. --- John 3:30

The Bible In One Year:
Psalms 91-93
Romans 15:1-13

People around the world instantly recognize Big Bird and Oscar the Grouch from the children's TV show Sesame Street. But Caroll Spinney is not a well-known celebrity, even though he has brought both characters to life on the popular program since 1969. A skilled puppeteer, Spinney has been content to work behind the scenes.

I believe God calls every follower of Jesus to take a similar approach in making Him known to the world. John the Baptist told his listeners: "I said, 'I am not the Christ,' but, 'I have been sent before Him.' ... He must increase, but I must decrease' [John 3:28, 30]. John acknowledged that he was not the bridegroom, but only His friend [v.29].

Oswald Chambers reminds us: "Goodness and purity ought never to attract attention to themselves, they ought simply to be magnets to draw to Jesus Christ. A beautiful saint may be a hindrance if he does not present Jesus Christ but only what Christ has done for him; he will leave the impression --- 'What a fine character that man is!' --- that is not being a true friend of the Bridegroom; I am increasing all the time, He is not."

Jesus the Savior is onstage. We must be behind the scenes. --- David McCasland

When you share the Lord with others,
See that He is on display;
For the world to see Him clearly,
We must not get in the way. --- Sper

HE WHO GLORIES, LET HIM GLORY IN THE LORD. --- 2 Corinthians 10:17