Hello! Today we will conclude our study on the epistles of John by reading both 2nd and 3rd John. WHAT? 2 books?! That's not fair! Don't worry, both are only 1 chapter each and are quick reads. They both contain very similar content encouraging followers to ignore false teachers, to love one another, and to provide for "the Lord's workers" which I can only assume would be a pastor as we would think of it. Let's read this short but personal letters from John the elder and see what God says to you!
Scripture to Read
Audio Bible
Questions to Consider
Who is the most hospitable person that you know? Why?
How can you be more hospitable? How can our church?
What about today's reading can you apply to your life?
- My Thoughts -
Ayyyy, it's back for just a single day. The commentary for this was honestly kinda boring as it's pretty self-explanatory.
In 3 John 1:11b he writes "those that do good prove they know God while those that do evil prove they do not know God." This line really captures me as who gets to decide what is "good" and what is "evil." Take for example something from culture happening right now with the vote in Texas to have the most aggressive of abortion restrictions (6 weeks). For those who consider themselves pro-choice they would argue that this is "evil" as it restricts a woman's access to her own body and her own choices while a pro-life(birth?) person might argue this is "good" as it defends the life of the baby. But who gets to decide whether it's good or evil? If we assume one side is good in this debate than we ultimately say that God aligns with one and not the other. I believe this is a very dangerous precendent to set, and yet, we often see this happen when politicians (and yes churches too) invoke the name of God when pushing a bill or agenda. Further, how do we love neighbors if one is "good" and another "evil"? While I agree with the message that it is "evil" to spread heresies about God, I'm nervous about the judgement that 3 John encourages believers to use.
We all have our own person measurement about what is "evil" and what is "good" and I believe that's a good thing! I just hope we all (yes this dummy included) can remember to be patient and understanding that others scales might look a little different before we judge.
Praying the Hymns
Our prayer for today is inspired by another well known and love hymn, Softly and Tenderly Jesus is Calling. I invite you to sing this song either aloud or in your heart as you close out this time of study. What is Jesus calling you to do?
1 Softly and tenderly Jesus is calling,
calling for you and for me;
see, on the portals he's waiting and watching,
watching for you and for me.
Refrain:
Come home, come home;
you who are weary come home;
earnestly, tenderly, Jesus is calling,
calling, O sinner, come home!
2 Why should we tarry when Jesus is pleading,
pleading for you and for me?
Why should we linger and heed not his mercies,
mercies for you and for me? [Refrain]
3 Time is now fleeting, the moments are passing,
passing from you and from me;
shadows are gathering, deathbeds are coming,
coming for you and for me. [Refrain]
4 O for the wonderful love he has promised, promised for you and for me! Though we have sinned, he has mercy and pardon, pardon for you and for me. [Refrain]
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