John's Joy

“So they came to John and told him, "Rabbi, the One you testified about, and who was with you across the Jordan, is baptizing--and everyone is flocking to Him." John responded, "No one can receive a single thing unless it's given to him from heaven. You yourselves can testify that I said, 'I am not the Messiah, but I've been sent ahead of Him.' He who has the bride is the groom. But the groom's friend, who stands by and listens for him, rejoices greatly at the groom's voice. So this joy of mine is complete. He must increase, but I must decrease." John 3:26-30

John the Baptist looked on from a far, watching Jesus as he baptizes people in the Jordon River.  The people were flocking to Jesus as they had once flocked to John.  John task had finished.  His disciples came to him as if to stir him up with jealousy, but he would have no part of it.  John understood completely his role as the ultimate set-up man.  He was there to prepare the way for the Messiah, to ready the hearts for one to come.  In these few words of John we see a level of humility that is breath taking.  

John recognizes we have nothing unless it is given to him from God.  John knew any popularity he might have experienced was because God willed it.  He knew his role in the story of Christ and as a friend to the groom he watched with delight in his heart.  He was expecting this day would come and rejoiced at the arrival of Jesus.  He knew this is the lamb who takes away the sins of the world.  He knew this was the Word and the Word had become flesh and had taken up residence among His people.  John’s joy was complete in watching Jesus.  His part on center stage was over and now in the wings he marveled at the Master in front of him.  

John set an example for us all.  John didn’t allow those around him to get him off track, by playing to his ego.  He didn’t allow pride or envy to distract him from what was most important.  We need to know when it is our time to allow others to shine for Christ, to understand our role in the story.  Most of all we can never forget our role in this grand unfolding story is to allow the Master to have center stage in our lives and in the world around us.  By doing so we will rejoice at the groom as he cares and loves his bride and our joy will be made complete in Him.  Jesus must increase and we are to decrease.