✝️✨Pastor Daren Mehl Quote: “Brothers and sisters, the joy of ministry is watching people come into the kingdom of God and know Jesus and become part of the bride of Christ.”
Bible Verse: John 3:29 (LSB) — “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.”
Devotional Summary: John uses the picture of a wedding to explain his joy. At a wedding, the friend of the bridegroom does not want the bride for himself; he is glad when the groom arrives. John was that glad friend because people were turning toward Jesus. The Bridegroom is Christ, and His bride is the church, the people He loves and redeems. John’s ministry was not failing when others followed Jesus; it was doing exactly what God had sent him to do. This changes how we think about success in ministry.
Our deepest joy is not the job we perform, the compliments we receive, or the place we hold in the church. Our joy is knowing the Son of God and seeing others brought to Him by grace. Jesus gave Himself for His people and will not forget those the Father has entrusted to Him. When we gather in worship, serve a neighbor, or invite someone to hear the gospel, we are pointing toward the great joy of belonging to Him. Even in hard days, we can rejoice because the Bridegroom is faithful and His promised future is sure. Today, thank Him for bringing you into His family and ask Him to grow your joy when others come to faith.
Reflection Question: How does knowing Jesus as the Bridegroom change what brings me joy, and whom can I invite to know Him this week?
Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for giving us to Your Son and for the joy of belonging to Him. Holy Spirit, remind me that Jesus is the Bridegroom and that His love is sure. Teach me to rejoice when another person comes to know Him, even when I have no part that others can see. Grow in me the hope of the day when Christ gathers His people in glory. Guide my love for family, friends, and church toward Him. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.
Psalm: Psalm 16:11 (LSB) — “You will make known to me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; in Your right hand there are pleasures forever.”
Reflection Song: “Is He Worthy?” — Andrew Peterson and Ben Shive. Worship video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OIahc83Kvp4
Why This Song: This song praises Jesus as the worthy Lamb who gathers His people, echoing John’s joy in the Bridegroom.