How many followers have you got?
by Sal Huckel
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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 (John 1:29,30).
John describes himself as preparing the way of the Lord. We are familiar with his and Jesus’ story as cousins, their mothers’ friendships and the special way John was chosen for this role as a prophet. In this fascinating passage, we see John pointing Jesus out to his own disciples, declaring Jesus as greater than himself, and ‘losing’ followers to Jesus on the same walk.
John knew his job here was not to have his own followers – he was here to gather followers together, ready for Jesus.
Have we recalibrated our thinking to ponder how counter-cultural this is?
‘Having a following’ is 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 be following.
Take some time to consider any situations in which you’ve placed ‘your following’ or your church numbers over the gospel message we are here for. Are there any counter-cultural (and difficult) decisions that need to be made to get back to your calling?
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 more humbly, pointing to you, even at the cost of our own popularity or church numbers. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Sal is married to Pastor Matthew Huckel, and they have six wonderful children – now an entire worship band as they serve together in ministry. Sal wears many other hats: she loves writing, speaking, and working as a wellness coach for Weight Watchers.
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