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.  He must increase, but I must decrease."  

Can you hear the joy in John the Baptist in proclaiming 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 to be 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. Do you enjoy hearing from Christ? How does this happen?

2. Would you describe yourself as a friend of Jesus? A follower? A child?

3. Explain what is meant in the words of John the Baptist, “He must increase, but I must decrease” (John 3:30).