PASTORS' DAILY DEVOTIONAL
Aug
01

Applauding Him

John Tilton

Scripture
John 3:29-30 The one who has the bride is the bridegroom. The friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly at the bridegroom’s voice. Therefore this joy of mine is now complete. He must increase, but I must decrease.
Observation
As John speaks of his admiration and inspiration about Jesus, I envision through His words the enthusiasm and applause he had like the bridegroom’s friend(s) on the day of a bridegroom’s marriage, and how one usually rejoices. Like friends standing by a bridegroom and bride, so to and more so is the honor that John refers to in his joy for the Lord Jesus Christ, as the bridegroom. Thus, he understood that it was time for Jesus to take His place of honor and John to step back or decrease
Application
There is such a tendency given our DNA to want and take credit when we are able to. John is an inspiring reminder that as we grow in Jesus Christ, it is more about what we are doing to further His will in obedience then what we gain. Thus, rather then be the center of attention, our we able to serve the Lord in obscurity when needed? I realize that as I do things for the Lord and His Kingdom, accolades and success may come my way, but it must not be my goal or impetus to serve the Lord and do good things. One’s growth in humility is what accompanies a heart like John’s decrease that Jesus may increase. Thus, like a friend to a bridegroom, we get to applaud Jesus, do His will and watch excel for His father’s will.
Prayer
Dear Lord, thank you reminding me that I must in fact decrease that Jesus would increase. I then can applaud you for all that you are, all that you do and all that we will become because of you.

Devotions for August 01

Isaiah 65,66
Psalms 62
John 3

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