A WORD FOR TODAY, October 9, 2025
Peggy Hoppes
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Blessings. Peg
A WORD FOR TODAY, October 9, 2025
“After these things, Jesus came with his disciples into the land of Judea. He stayed there with them and baptized. John also was baptizing in Enon near Salim, because there was much water there. They came and were baptized; for John was not yet thrown into prison. Therefore a dispute arose on the part of John’s disciples with some Jews about purification. They came to John and said to him, ‘Rabbi, he who was with you beyond the Jordan, to whom you have testified, behold, he baptizes, and everyone is coming to him.’ John answered, ‘A man can receive nothing unless it has been given him from heaven. You yourselves testify that I said, “I am not the Christ,” but, “I have been sent before him.” He who has the bride is the bridegroom; but the friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly because of the bridegroom’s voice. Therefore my joy is made full. He must increase, but I must decrease. He who comes from above is above all. He who is from the earth belongs to the earth and speaks of the earth. He who comes from heaven is above all. What he has seen and heard, of that he testifies; and no one receives his witness. He who has received his witness has set his seal to this, that God is true. For he whom God has sent speaks the words of God; for God gives the Spirit without measure. The Father loves the Son, and has given all things into his hand. One who believes in the Son has eternal life, but one who disobeys the Son won’t see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.’” John 3:22-35, WEB
The first emperor of China was a man named Ying Cheng. He was a cruel man, sought only greatness for himself and his name. He massacred an army of 40,000 men after they surrendered. When he had reached the pinnacle of his power, he called himself the emperor and expected his dynasty to last for ten thousand years. He accomplished great things, including the building of the Great Wall. The cruelty of that incredible monument is unbelievable: many slaves died, their bones ground and used in the mortar for the wall. It is known as the longest cemetery on earth.
Though he was the most powerful man in China, he lived in fear of death. Secret tunnels connected his palaces so that he could hide from his enemies. He ordered his wise men to find the fountain of youth so that he might live forever. He trusted no one and no one trusted him. He was eventually killed by his closest advisors and buried in a tomb surrounded by six thousand terra cotta warriors. His son was tricked into suicide, ending the dynasty of Ying Cheng. It is strange that he was buried with an army to guard his dead body. He desired to be the greatest on earth, but he feared death because he had no hope beyond this world.
Charlemagne had a much different attitude. He prepared for his own death by giving instructions for his burial. He wanted to be sitting upright on a throne, with his crown on his head, a sword by his side and a bible in his lap. It was later found that he was buried in this manner. His finger was pointing at the scripture that says, “What good is it for a man to gain the whole world but lose his soul?”
John the Baptist had a great deal of power. People were following him, listening to him, learning from him. His disciples learned that Jesus was doing the same work and went to John to warn him about the competition. They were jealous for his sake, thinking in terms of worldly fame rather than heavenly calling. John did not seek to become great, he only desired to do what God had called him to do. He knew that he was not the Christ, but that he came to point toward Him. He rejoiced to see the promises of God come into fulfillment within his sight.
Ying Cheng thought he was great. Charlemagne knew there was one greater. John also knew that Jesus was the One they were looking for, and he remained humble before God in that knowledge. He did what he was gifted and sent to do, never trying to be greater. We are expected to do the same. We believe in the One who is the greatest, Jesus who is the Christ. When we believe in His words, we testify to the truth of God, the faithfulness of His grace in the fulfillment of all His promises. We have eternal life which is a present reality not just a future hope. This we have by believing in Jesus.
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