John 3:29-30 He that has the bride is the bridegroom: but the friend of the bridegroom, which stands and hears him… 1. Every man has his own life-work as truly as the Baptist had his. 2. The importance of knowing what this is is obvious. 3. This, moreover, is (1) ascertainable — by Divine direction. (2) Accomplishable — by Divine help. (3) Blessed. By fulfilling the purpose of our being we shall realize — I. THE JOY OF HAVING DONE SOME TRUE THING. Our sleep is more restful after a day of worthy toil. The man who works apart from the Divine plan does nothing satisfactory or satisfying. Our Master found work most joyous — "My meat is to do," etc. II. THE JOY OF HAVING DONE OUR OWN WORK. There is blessedness in knowing that we are filling the place appointed by God, however lowly (Galatians 6:4). III. THE JOY OF ANTICIPATING OUR REWARD. Much of this is reaped in this world, but most is "reserved in heaven" for those who are faithful on earth. IV. THE JOY OF WITNESSING THE INFLUENCE OF OUR WORK, in the comfort of the sorrowful, the strengthening of the weak, the saving of the lost. V. THE JOY OF HAVING DONE SOMETHING IN WORKING OUT THE PLAN OF GOD. That plan, the restoration of fallen humanity, seems far too magnificent for us to take any part in it. Yet this is, and will through eternity be, the Christian worker's joy. (W. Jones.) Parallel Verses KJV: He that hath the bride is the bridegroom: but the friend of the bridegroom, which standeth and heareth him, rejoiceth greatly because of the bridegroom's voice: this my joy therefore is fulfilled. |
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