Friend of The Bridegroom

Weddings are joyous occasions! Customarily, we attend as a friend of the bride or the bridegroom, and are seated respectively. The Apostle John writes, "He who has the bride is the bridegroom; but the friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly because of the bridegroom’s voice. So this joy of mine has been made full." (John 3:29). Stating we are a friend a the bride or the groom indicates there's a history, a relationship, something special shared. The same is especially true when the Believer is "the friend of the Bridegroom," Jesus Christ. From the intimacy of that relationship come His beauty and His fragrance. His characteristics in us should always point others to Him. I am ever-decreasing and He is ever-increasing (John 3:30). Oswald Chambers draws serious attention to the importance of maintaining a close relationship with The Bridegroom: "If my holiness is not drawing others to Him, it is not the right kind of holiness; it is only an influence which awakens undue emotions and evil desires in people and diverts them from heading in the right direction." Time spent with Jesus is time most precious and desirable; it's the only way to be a true ... friend of the Bridegroom.