III John 1:1-8
I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth. (v. 4) This is such a true statement! Carol and I rejoice greatly that all four of our kids are seeking the Lord – some seeking Him in different denominations or with particular issues different than Carol and me, but still seeking Him. But in repeating this verse, the flip side is also important – how difficult it is for Christian parents whose children are not seeking the Lord. We have good friends, some within our congregation whose children have moved on from the faith. The parents are troubled and often feel guilty that they did not raise their kids as they should have. Often I think the parents take on too much blame; the kids’ peer groups (and society in general) have led them down those wrong paths. So let’s pray for those parents and their children whom we know to be in this unfortunate situation.
Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul. (v. 2) When you really look at this verse you’ll see that John is affirming Gaius’ spiritual health and praying for his physical well-being. Again, a good prayer for us today, to pray that people be in good spiritual health, even as COVID and other difficulties ravage our world.
Beloved, it is a faithful thing you do in all your efforts for these brothers … we ought to support people like these, that we may be fellow workers for the truth. (vv. 5, 8) Apparently Gaius regularly opens his house to traveling missionaries and is affirmed for such by John. I’m reminded of our church’s support for various missionaries through our Mission Committee and for individuals within our church who support these folks. Some of us have also had the opportunity to host missionaries in our homes (Mark Bruner and the Harkonens, among others) and to lend our own financial support. Through his writing for the ages John is also affirming us and our church. And yet again, a further call to prayer! So much to pray for…!
Slava Bohu!
V. 2 about Gaius’ body and soul, health and spirit, reminds me of John’s important point that Jesus has both body and soul, fully man fully God. These cannot be separated. And we are created in that image of both.
I agree about the Mission Committee, sponsored and those who are co-workers, partners with those on the front lines.