Well…its day 3 of Crave, and I pray that you are already seeing God respond to your self-denial and subsequent pursuit of Him.

Know that I am praying for you as you seek to “crave” more of Jesus.

Keep pressing on.

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Day 3 [March 31]

John 3

Today, we are introduced to Nicodemus, who we’ll see again in another 16 chapters. He was a Pharisee who saw there was something special about Jesus and visits him one night in an attempt to understand Him more fully.

During that interaction, Jesus lays out very specifically the steps to salvation and the role the Son of Man will play. He says, “…the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life.” [v. 14-15] This “lifting up” Jesus is referring to is not lifting in praise, but rather lifting up on the cross. Jesus certainly deserves our praise, but it is not our praise that draws mankind to God. It is what Jesus did on the cross, and we therefore need to lift Him up so others may have eternal life.

What are you lifting up before men today? Is it the cross?

Many times we can get caught up in lifting ourselves up before men to draw them to God. We can think that our example, our work, our words or even our praise will lead people to a right relationship with God. However, it is only by the Son of Man, Jesus…lifted up…crucified…that anyone receives eternal life. It is about Him and not us.

This time of self-denial is also about Him and not us. Our sacrifice is a reminder of His sacrifice, and it keeps us humble before Him. He’s the focus. That is why John the Baptist can later say, “He must become greater: I must become less.” [John 3:30]

I encourage you to take some time to consider what the application of John 3:30 looks like in your life. Pray and ask God to show you what you need to do for Him to become greater…lifted up…and you to become less.