They came to John and said to him, “Rabbi, that man who was with you on the other side of the Jordan—the one you testified about—look, he is baptizing, and everyone is going to him.” To this John replied, “A person can receive only what is given them from heaven. You yourselves can testify that I said, ‘I am not the Messiah but am sent ahead of him.’ The bride belongs to the bridegroom. The friend who attends the bridegroom waits and listens for him, and is full of joy when he hears the bridegroom’s voice. That joy is mine, and it is now complete. He must become greater; I must become less.” John 3:26-30
Dear Jesus, I’m not sure about a wardrobe of camel’s hair clothing, and a diet of locusts and wild honey (Matt. 3:4), but I am sure I want more of John the Baptist’s joy—the joy of you becoming greater while I become less. Indeed, John leapt for joy at the very thought of you even before he was born (Luke 1:39-40). Could you, would you do the same in my heart?
Jesus, when I try to imagine this kind of joy and freedom, I get really excited… and a bit quiet. What would it be like to have a joy largely defined by people making much about you—so much, in fact, that I wouldn’t really notice them not making much about me? That would bring greater freedom from the insecurities of my pride and from my desire for the approval of men.
Jesus, what would it be like to want your name to be loved and vindicated a zillion times over mine? What would it be like to wait and listen for your voice, a whole lot more than impatiently clamoring for my voice to be heard? That would bring more freedom from my need to be understood and to be in control of my reputation.
Jesus, what would it be like to experience greater grief when people don’t “get” you, than when they don’t “get” me? What would it be like to say with John, “A person can receive only what is given them from heaven”… and really, really mean it—to accept the “giving’s and taking-away’s” in life… equally as sovereign appointments from your throne of grace? That would bring freedom to love and serve you no matter what.
Jesus, most kind and beautiful Bridegroom, bring more of this joy and freedom to my expectant heart. So very Amen, I pray, in your priceless and peerless name.
