The Friend of the Bridegroom
"The joy of the friend is not in being seen, but in hearing the Bridegroom’s voice."
Devotional Source: My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers
Photo Credit: Unsplash
Oswald Chambers brings a timely reminder for anyone who walks closely with others on their spiritual journey: We are not the center of anyone’s story—not even our own. He draws from John the Baptist’s words, “He must become greater; I must become less,” and reminds us of the joyful role of the friend of the bridegroom. Our greatest joy is not in being needed or admired, but in seeing others gripped by Christ, regardless of how painful the process might appear to us.
We are not spiritual gatekeepers, amateur saviors, or safety nets. Our flesh may want to intervene and shield others from the crushing blows that often come before surrender. But when Christ grips a soul, there is a divine breaking that leads to new life. Our role is not to ease their pain but to echo heaven’s joy when the Bridegroom's voice is heard, even amid wreckage. Sympathy that aims to protect others from God’s sovereign dealings can become thievery—robbing them of a deeper vision of Christ.
So we take our hands off. We step aside. We decrease. And in doing so, we find joy overflowing—not in our usefulness or recognition, but in watching the radiant glory of Christ grow in the lives of others.
Personalized Journal Entry — In the Voice of the Holy Spirit Through Scripture:
I have called you to rejoice, not in your ministry or your influence, but in Me. You are a friend of the Bridegroom, and your joy is made full when you hear My voice and see others drawn into union with Me. Let your heart overflow—not because you are seen, but because I am seen more clearly through you.
You are not the light, but you bear witness to the light. You prepare the way—not take center stage. And when others begin to hunger for Me, even if their path passes through suffering, trust that I am at work. Do not try to intervene where I am purifying. Do not be the voice that cushions when I am calling them to come and appropriate their death so they may truly live.
Let your soul rest. You are not the vine; I am. Apart from Me, you can do nothing. But in Me, the fruit borne in others' lives is Mine to shape. You are not the source of their joy, their healing, or their transformation. I alone am their portion, and I will not share My glory with another.
You are hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory. Until then, delight in decreasing, for I am increasing. My sheep hear My voice, and they follow Me. Rejoice when they follow—not you—but Me.
Be still. Let go of the need to be seen. Rejoice in My increase. Your joy is complete.
(John 3:29–30, John 1:8, John 15:5, Colossians 3:3–4, John 10:27)
Prayer:
Lord, I praise You for giving me the joy of being Your witness and Your friend. I no longer need to be seen, needed, or remembered—for I know I am hidden with Christ in You, and that is enough. Thank You that my joy is not found in being central to someone’s spiritual life but in seeing Christ formed in them. I rest in the truth that You are the only source they need, and I trust You to do whatever is necessary to draw them to Yourself. Thank You for allowing me to step aside and rejoice as You take center stage. You must increase—and I, in the deepest joy, gladly decrease.