The Joy Thief

Oops. In our reading (John 3:22-4:6) John's disciples are doing the same thing I did the other day. Comparing. They are miffed because that Jesus that John had talked about "is baptizing, and everyone is going to him."

John tries to set them straight and reminds them that, "A person can receive only what is given them from heaven.^" Each person has his own job in the kingdom and John definitely did not have the function of Christ but had been sent ahead to prepare for Jesus' coming. The confirmation that John's perspective works is in verse twenty nine. He speaks about Jesus being the Bridegroom (of God's people) and as a friend of the Bridegroom he "is full of joy when he hears the bridegroom's voice. That joy is mine, and it is now complete."

Sadly John's frustrated disciples have lost their joy. As Theodore Roosevelt said, "Comparison is the thief of joy." I have needed to remember that so often that I printed it on a big sign that is up in our office.

Lord, help us be content in the place that you have us today. May we even be grateful and keep our jo