Daily Devotions

The final title in our list of names of Jesus is “the bridegroom

There are few happier events than a wedding, and few happier people on the day than the bride and bridegroom. The Bible consistently refers to God’s people, the church, as his bride, and Jesus as the bridegroom.

Just as the bridegroom looks forward to being together with his bride forever, so too does Jesus rejoice over us.

In the Old Testament book of Hosea, an attitude of God is exposed which is quite enlightening in its scope.  The prophet reveals the God of the universe as seeing himself in a marriage relationship with the nation of Israel.  While Luke explains the Father’s heart through the story of the prodigal son, Hosea tells the story of God’s “sacred romance” through the story of a wayward wife.  In this prophecy, God equates Israel’s idolatry with adultery.  No other minor prophet exposes this metaphor quite like Hosea.

Each of us is made for union with God, but we do not always live up to this calling. Unlike us, God is faithful and He desires to achieve union with us. Through the Old Testament prophets Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel and Hosea, as well as in Song of Songs, God reveals the mystery of His desire for union with humanity – a union so intimate that He describes it as spousal love: God is the bridegroom and Israel is the bride.

In this John 3:29, John the Baptist expresses his joy in acknowledging Jesus' true identity, noting that his own success lies in leading others to Christ rather than competing with Him. This paradigm encourages all believers to embrace their role in service, ensuring that Christ remains at the centre of their ministries and lives. John’s statement underscores the joy found in selfless service to Christ and the fulfilment of divine purpose, echoing the foundational truth that our worth is rooted in reflecting Christ’s glory rather than our own. Thus, John demonstrates a profound understanding of his place in God's plan, delighting in the success of the true bridegroom

Lord, we reflect on the joy that servants, like John the Baptist, expressed in recognising Jesus as the beloved Son of God, Who takes away the sin of the world. We are filled with wonder and awe at Your faithfulness to both Israel and Your great love of the Church. Open our eyes to the opportunities around us to touch others with your grace. Open our ears to hear the cries of those hungry for your bread of life. Please give us the joy of the friend of the bridegroom! In Jesus' name. Amen There are few happier events than a wedding, and few happier people on the day than the bride and bridegroom. The Bible consistently refers to God’s people, the church, as his bride, and Jesus as the bridegroom. Amen