Topic: SERVANTHOOD PAYS – Bishop Mike Okonkwo Devotional 29 March 2023 The Redeemed Evangelical Mission

Topic: SERVANTHOOD PAYS – Bishop Mike Okonkwo Devotional 29 March 2023 The Redeemed Evangelical Mission

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SERVANTHOOD PAYS

“He must increase, but I must decrease.” John 3:30 (KJV)

The world’s system of operation will not agree with our topic because everyone wants the Number one position, even if it requires betrayal and breaking of covenants. You will be surprised at how many good relationships have been destroyed on the altar of personal interests. Servanthood set John the Baptist apart from all other prophets of his time. Hear Jesus in Luke 7:28 “For I say unto you, Among those that are born of women there is not a greater prophet than John the Baptist: …”

It took John 30 years to prepare for ministry. He did not enjoy a normal childhood life because he lived in the desert away from the people and separated unto God (Luke 1:80). He enjoyed success in ministry for 6 months like no other man ever had because the people left the big cities to go and hear him in the wilderness of Judea (Matt.3:1-6). He was very influential in Israel at the time and the Roman rulers recognized him. He baptised Jesus and announced Him the Messiah (Matt. 3:13-17; John 1:29). The moment this happened, John’s disciples began to desert him to follow Jesus. Think of it.

Put yourself in John the Baptist’s position for a moment. You suddenly find yourself losing the crowd that had been following you after many years of sacrifice. When this was brought to his attention, hear John’s response: “He must increase, and I must decrease”. Can you stand to decrease so that others may increase? This is where the rubber meets the road. John was later imprisoned and after a year and a half in the dark and cold dungeon, he was beheaded. John’s greatness was in the success of Jesus.

Can you dare to serve others and be a ladder for them to climb to the highest peak in their endeavour without growing jealous? This question begs an answer in our today’s celebrity-conscious society where everyone is jockeying for the number one position. John the Baptist was the greatest prophet because he was a great servant to Jesus. Jesus commended him and that is enough for him. “He that is greatest among you shall be your servant” Marr. 23:11