HELEN SANDERS
12-23-2025
INCREASE OR DECREASE

Throughout scripture we see where God raised up a person for an assignment and when that assignment was finished there was change coming.

John the Baptist is a great example. His lineage came through Levitical priesthood as descendants of Aaron. His father, Zacharias was a priest and was visited by the angel Gabriel when he was burning incense in the temple. Gabriel declared that he would have a child with Elizabeth, his wife. It was miraculous because Elizabath was barren and stricken in years.

When John was born, he did not follow his father into the priesthood. God had a different assignment. He was a forerunner, preparing the way for the one who would come after him. John’s assignment was to prepare the way of Jesus, by bringing the people to a baptism of repentance, ready to receive Messiah. John had many followers, including Andrew and an unnamed disciple who most scholars believe was John, who would later follow Jesus.

In John 3:30 he was questioned about his ministry, and said, “He [speaking of Jesus] must increase, but I must decrease.” John knew what his assignment was, and was the one that recognized who Jesus was, launching the ministry of Jesus.

John was later arrested because he called down Herod as an adulterer when he married his brother’s wife. While in prison, he had some doubts as to who Jesus was, but Jesus sent word to him to judge him by his mighty miracles. John then was satisfied that Jesus was indeed the Messiah, and shortly thereafter was beheaded. John fulfilled his assignment.

Another example is Vashti. She was King Artaxerxes beautiful wife. When asked to show herself to a bunch of drunken men she refused. She stood her ground, knowing that she would lose her position. Yet, it was part of God’s plan to allow Esther to become queen and save her people. Vashti decreased while Esther increased. Esther was sent “for such a time as this.” God’s plan was fulfilled for both Vashti and Esther.

John and Esther both realized their assignment. We must also learn our purpose; whether it is to be a forerunner like John with a limited assignment, or the one that runs with the message, we must be willing to decrease, or be willing to increase. We listen to God, and do not get ahead of him, but are also willing to do his will when he bids us and not delay.

Do not hang on to something when it is finished. Let it go. God will have another assignment for you.