Thursday, 7th November, 2024
By Alex Buabeng-Korsah
THEME: THE JOY OF THE BRIDEGROOM
Theme Scripture: "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 " - John 3:29
PREPARATORY QUESTION
1. How can you shift your focus from comparison to celebration, recognizing that God's grace and purpose are at work in others' lives as much as in your own?
It is a fact that Jesus was baptized by John. However, after His baptism, Jesus began to baptize others. Interestingly, Jesus Himself did not perform the baptisms; His disciples did (John 4:2). As a result, more people came to Jesus and His disciples for baptism than to John (John 4:1). The Jews noticed this and began to discuss it, questioning whether Jesus was trying to overshadow John's ministry.
The gossip and public analysis continued until it reached John's disciples, breeding jealousy in their hearts. When his disciples came to him with a complaint about how all men were going to Jesus, John perceived that he knew something they didn't know—the greatness of humility. Out of mortal lips, John uttered that which was sublime truth. To the spiritual person, you could hear him say, "I am aware of my assignment and I am content fulfilling it (whether big or small). The booming ministry and its glory, of the bridegroom, do not trouble me. It is enough for me to see His success and joy because He must increase as I decrease. It is all about the bridegroom and not his friend." (John 3:29).
John clarified to his disciples, and to us today, that no man can receive anything except what is given from above (John 3:27). What comes from above is as a result of grace. Therefore, what has been given to others must be acknowledged with all reverence and joy. John saw Jesus and himself on the same side, not as competitors.
Precious One, John saw beyond himself and was able to receive Jesus' ministry at a time his was waning. Any time the 'self' creeps into our dealings with others, comparison and competition are inevitable. Brothers forget that they are on the same side. Work colleagues forget that they are pursuing the ‘one vision’ of the company. Church sisters forget that they are serving the same God. Rather, we pitch our ego against one another and we dishonor the Lord Jesus who died and brought us unto Himself.
Beloved, if your brother is doing bigger things than you are, but all to the glory of God, rejoice. God must increase and we must decrease. Dear pastor, if your colleague is turning many more people unto righteousness than you are, to God be the glory. Pretty sister, if God has answered the prayer of another sister, praise God for that. God is magnified in this. He that has the bride is the bridegroom. It is the joy of the friend (or best man) to see the bridegroom honored with the bride. From today going forward, may we learn to decrease purposely for God’s glory to increase.
FURTHER READING: Galatians 2:7-10
Call to Salvation: Today is your day if you have not received salvation by turning over your life to Jesus Christ. Click here to do so.
QUESTIONS TO HELP YOU REFLECT ON THE WORD
- How easily do you accept others’ grace given to them?
- How much egoistic are you in your dealings with others?
PRAYER
Precious Lord, thank you for your word today. I acknowledge you as the true light who lights every man who comes into this world. I affirm this day that I am a follower of the Light. I am consciously following the leadings of the Spirit and the guidance of your word, Lord, today and every other day, in Jesus’ Precious Name. Hallelujah!
One-Year Bible Reading Plan
2 Chronicles 36; Hosea 4; Acts 20
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