What Gives You Joy?

Today I was reading Erwin Lutzer's book "Failure the Back Door to Success" and he made a great point about joy. I want to share that with you. John the Baptist was fading from the scene and Jesus was drawing large crowds, how did John handle this?

Listen to his words in John 3:29 "The friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly because of the bridegroom's voice. And so this joy of mine has been made full." John recognized his ministry was to introduce Israel (the bride) to the bridegroom (Jesus). He said he was glad to hear the bridegroom's voice, it gave him joy. Why?

In the Middle east the friend of the bridegroom (best man) guarded the room of the bride so that no one else would enter but the bridegroom. John likened himself to the best man who had been guarding the door to the room of the bride until the bridegroom came for his bride. When he heard the voice of Jesus (bridegroom) he realized his job was finished.

What gives you joy? Are you successful, great. Do you consider yourself a failure? If so remember God has called us to faithfulness, not success.

Keep listening for the voice of the bridegroom.