“You know I (John the Baptist) have been saying that Jesus is the Messiah; I’m merely the messenger. He’s the Point, I’m the pointer. He’s the Light, I’m a candle stick holder. He’s the Bridegroom, and he’s come to make us his bride. The joy of making much of Jesus is now mine. Jesus must become greater in everyone’s eyes and hearts. I now gladly recede and ‘ride off into the sunset.’” (Paraphrase of John 3:28-30)
Dear Jesus, I’m not desiring John’s wardrobe of camel’s hair clothing and diet of locusts and wild honey (Matt. 3:4); but I crave his joy: The joy of making much of you. The joy of treasuring you above everything. The joy of knowing all history and the whole Bible is a revelation of your glory and grace. You can’t get any “greater” but we’re probably alive to about .07% of your glory and grace, goodness and beauty, love and joy. We long for the other 99.93%.
There is also great joy in realizing just how much you make of us. It’s one thing to have joy about going to heaven when we die. But to know we are now and forever your beloved Bride—that creates mega-joy, humbling wonder, and hope-filled living. Hallelujah, and thank you.
Jesus, we also have great joy as we anticipate the Day you will finish making all things new—the Day your glory will fill the earth as the waters cover the sea. For on that Day all sin and death, evil and illness, knowing in part and loving in part will be eradicated. We will see you as you truly are, and we will finally be 100% like you (1Jn.3:1-3). Hallelujah … we are “stoked,” grateful, and “redemptively impatient” for your return, Jesus. So Very Amen.
