Faithfulness, Week 2, Day 2

This is the assigned moment for him to move into the center,
while I slip off to the sidelines. (John 3:30 Message)

Dear Mr. The Baptist:
In perusing the script,
I find it has potential, but as it stands
It can’t be right
Your concept is just crazy enough to work:
Unlikely hero (have to talk to costumes and catering –
not sure where to source locusts or camel hair)
Loved that “Brood of vipers” line, but
Not sure how it’ll fly with the critics.
I’d encourage you to reconsider the whole
Leading man switch right after the baptism scene
Always a little dodgy with the fans –
They’ve been following you, now they’ll be confused.
You’re probably going to lose some.
Diehards will stick with you, no doubt
I’m sure the Playwright knows what he’s doing…
This bit of business on page 17 –
“JtB Exit SL, JC cross at center.”
That’s “Cross to center?” surely?
A cross at center would likely interfere
With the audience’s view of the scene
Again, a bit confusing.
Just be certain of your role.
I’d have a word with your agent
Re: the scaling back of your part.
It’s a good start, no doubt,
But it wants a bit of tweaking
To really make sense.
to today’s audience.

–Mark J. Leamy

Yesterday we discussed John the Baptist and his changing role after he delivered his great line. Today let’s think about his disciples and his fans. How did they feel when suddenly their leader told them to go follow someone else?

Read John 1:35-41. (All the scriptures that are not quoted directly on the blog this week are right here.)

These verses told us about two of John’s disciples who left John and followed Jesus. One of them was Andrew, who brought his brother Peter to Jesus. The other disciple is not named, but it could be the Apostle John himself. He never does name himself in his gospel, so this could be his way of sharing his entry into the scene.

How do you think these disciples felt, after their time of following John the Baptist? Had they hoped that he was the Messiah? Was it difficult to suddenly follow someone else? How did they cope with this sudden change in their lives?

I noticed several things that these disciples did, actions that we can follow during unexpected changes.

• They talked to Jesus about everyday things—like where he was staying.
• They listened to Jesus.
• They didn’t just listen—they followed.
• They brought others to Jesus.

How can we follow their examples?

• Keep up our conversations with the Savior.
• Listen to his word.
• Don’t just listen: do what he calls us to do.
• Tell others about Jesus. Share the comfort that he gives us.

When I told my story, you responded;
train me well in your deep wisdom. (Psalm 119:26 Message)
But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.
(James 1:22)
Make me walk along the path of your commands,
for that is where my happiness is found. (Psalm 119:35)
I have told the glad news of deliverance in the great congregation;
behold, I have not restrained my lips, as you know, O Lord.
I have not hidden your deliverance within my heart;
I have spoken of your faithfulness and your salvation;
I have not concealed your steadfast love and your faithfulness
from the great congregation. (Psalm 40:9-10)
I pray that your love will overflow more and more, and that you will keep on growing in knowledge and understanding. For I want you to understand what really matters, so that you may live pure and blameless lives until the day of Christ’s return. May you always be filled with the fruit of your salvation—the righteous character produced in your life by Jesus Christ—for this will bring much glory and praise to God. (Philippians 1:9-11 NLT)

Lord,
help me to keep my eyes on you
when nothing is turning out the way I pictured it.

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