John the apostle wrote, “there arose a question between some of John's disciples and the Jews about purifying. And they came unto John, and said unto him, Rabbi, he that was with you beyond Jordan, to whom you bore witness, behold, the same baptizes, and all men come to him. John answered and said, A man can receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven. You yourselves bear me witness, that I said, I am not the Christ, but that I am sent before him”, and in chapter three and verse twenty-nine of his book, John shared how John the Baptist told his disciples, “he that has the bride is the bridegroom” where we read:
He that has the bride is the bridegroom: but the friend of the bridegroom, which stands and hears him, rejoices greatly because of the bridegroom's voice: this my joy therefore is fulfilled.
The verse reads, “He that has the bride is the bridegroom:” John began with the words, “He that has the bride” which means “the male human being who lays hold of, owns and possesses the betrothed young woman to be married” “is the bridegroom” or “exists as the male groom who is to be married”. John shared how John the Baptist employed the example of a “groom” possessing and laying hold to his “bride” to emphasize his next point.
The verse continues, “but the friend of the bridegroom, which stands and hears him, rejoices greatly because of the bridegroom's voice:”. John added the words, “but the friend” which means “however, nonetheless, notwithstanding and moreover the associate or companion” “of the bridegroom” or “belonging to the male groom who is to be married”, “which stands and hears him” which means “who is made firm, fixed and established and is endowed with the faculty of hearing, not deaf, attends to and considers the bridegroom”, “rejoices greatly” or “is exceedingly glad, well and thriving with joy received” “because of the bridegroom's voice” which means “since and on account of the sound, tone or speech of uttered words belonging to the male groom who is to be married”. John shared how John the Baptist proclaimed the “bridegroom's friend” who remains close to him becomes “exceedingly glad” “because” the “bridegroom's sound and tone” is heard.
Finally the verse reads, “this my joy therefore is fulfilled”. John completed the verse with the words, “this my joy” or “the same that has brought gladness and cheerfulness” “is fulfilled” which means “exists as complete, made full, abounding and filled to the brim”. John shared how John the Baptist considered the coming of Jesus the Messiah as the “exceedingly joyful fulfillment” of his mission and purpose as forerunner to the Christ.
When we meditate upon John's words in this verse, we see the similarities between a “bridegroom” and John the Baptist who was the forerunner to Jesus the Messiah. Like the “best man” in a wedding ceremony, the “groom”, who is the main guest of honor, is promoted or advanced by him. John the Baptist was sent to tell the world the “Savior Jesus Christ” was sent to “save” them from their sins, and every person who believes and trusts in Him as their “Savior and Lord” will be forgiven of their sins and granted everlasting life with God. Let all who read these words be “exceedingly joyful” like John the Baptist because Jesus has come and is willing to receive every person who yields their life to Him.
Next time John shares how John the Baptist tells his disciples, “he must increase, but I must decrease”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.
Until
tomorrow…there is more…
Look for the daily devotional book
“Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the
marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the
Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms
Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County"
in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com
; http://www.barnesandnobles.com
; download to e-books, and find it locally at
www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.
All references are from "Strongs Concordance".
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