Read John 3:22-36

Notice this morning John 3:27-30, "John answered and said, A man can receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven. Ye yourselves bear me witness, that I said, I am not the Christ, but that I am sent before him. He that hath the bride is the bridegroom: but the friend of the bridegroom, which standeth and heareth him, rejoiceth greatly because of the bridegroom’s voice: this my joy therefore is fulfilled.  30He must increase, but I must decrease.”

This is the final testimony of John the Baptist.  Can you hear the joy in his heart as he proclaims his relationship to the bridegroom (the Lord Jesus)?  "The friend of the bridegroom, which standeth and heareth him, rejoiceth greatly because of the bridegroom's voice:  this my joy therefore is fulfilled." Isn't it special to be part of the bridegroom's circle of friends?  The friend of the bridegroom stands ready to do the will and promote the honor and pleasure of his friend.  John understood his purpose which was given him under the authority of God.  He was the voice of one crying in the wilderness.  He was the forerunner of Jesus.  He introduced the Messiah to the Jews!

His joy was fulfilled in the Person of Christ, and his intention was to exalt Christ.  "He must increase, but I must decrease."  It is divinely necessary that Jesus increase, and we as His followers decrease.  I can't be promoting myself and drawing attention to myself and expect Jesus to be increasing while I'm interested in myself.  HE MUST INCREASE!!!  This is our joy - to realize His place and position of authority and preeminence and our position as servants. 

May we decrease daily while promoting the King of kings, and Lord of lords.  Your joy will be fulfilled in so doing.

Your Friend and HIS,

Pastor Abbott

MEDITATIONS

1.  Have you come to the place of being part of the inner circle of the bridegroom’s friends?  How did this happen?  How has it changed you?

2.  Take a moment and think about the joy you have because of your relationship to Christ.  How great is your joy?

3.  How does fulfilling God’s purpose for your life equate to unspeakable joy?  

4.  Why must Christ increase, and we decrease?  What does this mean to you?