John the Baptist says:
I baptize you with water as a sign of repentance. But the one who comes after me is mightier than I, and I’m not worthy, to take off his shoes. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.
Matthew 3, 11
If we want to serve Jesus, we need to do as John. He knew his ministry was nothing. He himself could not do anything for Jesus. He did not even feel worthy to take off the Lord’s shoes.
John humanly had a very big impact. And Jesus calls him one of the greats in the kingdom of heaven.
The words that John said, went through the people`s heart, they realized their sins and lefr them. But John knew: The Lord makes the word alive. Humility is always a hallmark of mature disciples of Jesus. Anyone who thinks that only himself matters, has not yet grasped Jesus.
John rightly said: I can baptize only with water, it’s just a character. But Jesus can do more: He can baptize with fire! The actual spiritually important things we can not do as people, only the Lord alone. When we understand that our prayers and actions are different. We are only servants unworthy servants who have found mercy. Even when people cheer for us and hold us up spiritually: It is only the Lord who works and everything is possible.
People like John, live in humility and have humility in their heart, the Lord can use these.
Paul had a brilliant career as a religious leader. But then the Lord brought him down to his knees. Paul forgot his zeal, his high position, its sophisticated theology and knew only Jesus. He lived for Jesus and Jesus in him. So the Lord could use him mightily.
Humility is the key that makes us servants of Jesus. Everything comes from the Lord. The Lord can work anything. He in me, that alone makes me strong.
Yes, Lord, work through me your works! I forget myself and reachi forward to you. Even if I am not worthy to take off your shoes, you show me mercy in your school. Yes, destroy the pride and arrogance and make me humble, like you!