By Andrew Williams
Series: The Year of the Prophet- Month 10: The New Testament Prophet & Christ
Week 38: The Forerunner (John the Baptist)
Anchor Scripture: “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. Therefore this joy of mine is fulfilled. He must increase, but I must decrease.” — John 3:29–30 (NKJV)
The Teaching
As we continue looking at the bridge between the covenants, we find the “Golden Rule” of prophetic posture. John the Baptist’s disciples were concerned because Jesus—the one John had introduced—was now attracting larger crowds. They were jealous for John’s “brand” and his “market share.” But John’s response defines the heart of the New Testament office: The Prophet is the Friend of the Bridegroom.
In a Jewish wedding, the “friend of the bridegroom” had one specific job: to arrange the meeting between the groom and the bride and then to step out of the way once they were together. His joy was not found in the attention he received, but in the sound of the Groom’s voice.
This is the ultimate test of your maturity in the office. Is your “prophetic joy” fulfilled when people follow you, or when they find Him? If you carry a true New Covenant mantle, you are a “Divine Matchmaker.” You use your gift to fascinate the people with the beauty of Jesus. The moment the “Bride” (the Church) focuses on the “Groom” (Christ), your job is done. To say, “He must increase, but I must decrease,” is not a statement of low self-esteem; it is a statement of highest purpose.
Prophetic Insight
Maturity is Intentional Invisibility. The enemy will try to tempt you with the “Star Spirit”—the desire to be the most “sought-after” voice or the “prophetic celebrity.” But a star only shines when the sun is down. When the Sun of Righteousness (Jesus) rises, the stars should fade into the light. If you are still trying to “shine” in a way that draws attention to yourself, you are blocking the people’s view of Christ. A true prophet is a transparent window. The clearer you are, the more people see what is on the other side of you. If you feel “ignored” or “forgotten” after delivering a word that brought someone to Jesus, rejoice! Your “decrease” is the evidence that the King has “increased” in that place.
The Activation
Evaluate your “Social and Spiritual Ego.” Do you feel a need to “correct” people when they don’t give you credit for a prophetic insight? Today, practice Intentional Deflection. If someone praises you for a word or a prayer, immediately and sincerely redirect the conversation to the goodness of Jesus. Say, “I’m just the friend; isn’t the Bridegroom’s voice wonderful?” Experience the fulfillment of John’s joy by being the one who makes Jesus the center of the room.
Daily Prayer: Lord Jesus, I thank You that You are the Bridegroom and I am Your friend. I repent for my desire for preeminence and for any way I have tried to steal Your spotlight. I choose today to decrease. Let my voice be an echo of Yours. My joy is fulfilled when Your people hear Your voice and follow You. Hide me behind Your Cross, so that only Your Glory is seen. Amen.
