SCRIPTURE: 2 John, 3 John
OBSERVATION:
John is writing to new communities of Jesus-followers, addressing concerns and encouraging them to stay true to the message of Jesus. Though persecution was a problem, a greater danger was coming from within: leaders and teachers who were not living in the way of Jesus (love, truth, grace, hospitality, obedience) and were therefore disturbing and misleading new believers. John urges them to be on guard against anyone who does not live and act like Jesus. He also urges them to excel in being loving and supportive to one another, especially to those who are investing themselves fully in the work of the Lord.
APPLICATION:
Jesus is the standard by which we measure followers of Jesus, especially leaders and teachers. This is a serious reminder to me that I can either help or hinder the community of Jesus by my teaching and behaviour. I need to make sure that I am staying close to Jesus, and true to what He stood for. I need to evaluate my motives and practices according to His example.
Am I a good example of the love, kindness and integrity of Jesus? Is obeying the command to love, not just with my words but also my actions, the heartbeat of my faith and ministry. Are we as a community of Jesus-followers exceptional in giving and showing Jesus love?
PRAYER:
Lord, sometimes I/we can get so distracted from our top priority. Help me/us to see that showing Your love is the real proof that I know Your love.
Two selections of the readings spoke to me right away. The first one was the joy to find some of the children walking in the truth. Then verse six states And this is love: that we walk in obedience to His commands. As you have heard from the beginning, His command is that you walk in love. As a school community our theme is the most excellent way as stated in Corinthians. Love is walking with the Lord.
The next example found in the next chapter is the same as the first. Verse four states I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth. Again, this describes the most excellent way – love.
As a parent I too have no greater joy to see my children walking with Jesus. May they see me walking with my Father at all times. May those around me see that I lean hard on the Lord in all I do and say. Help me daily Lord to walk with You. Continue to guide me and encourage me by Your Spirit in all I say and do.
Living for Jesus, a life that is true,
Striving to please Him in all that I do;
Yielding allegiance, glad hearted and free,
This is the pathway of blessing for me.
Refrain
O Jesus, Lord and Savior, I give myself to Thee,
For Thou, in Thy atonement, didst give Thyself for me.
I own no other Master, my heart shall be Thy throne.
My life I give, henceforth to live, O Christ, for Thee alone