READ: Hosea 13-14; Proverbs 8; 2 John 1
SCRIPTURE: 2 John 1: 12
I have much to write to you, but I do not want to use paper and ink. Instead, I
hope to visit you and talk with you face to face, so that our joy may be
complete.
OBSERVATION: Before the 21st century, postal letters, telephone
calls, and telegram services were communication tools. Speaking with or contacting
someone who is away was not as easy as we have now. But in today's world,
within seconds, we can connect with people, see and speak with them live even
if they live in a faraway place. However, even in the Modern era of social
media and advanced communication tools, no communication is better than face-to-face
communication. Here, in 2 John, Apostle John was not without any content to
write when he said of talking "face to face." John expresses the
intention of his writing in the conclusion of his books. He finishes his second
and third epistles with similar words that express his hope of meeting “face to
face.”
In John 20:31, John writes, “these
are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and
that by believing you may have life in his name.” In 1 John 5:13, we read, “I
write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you
may know that you have eternal life.” In 2 John:1:12, when John writes, “so
that our joy may be complete,” he gives the reason for his desire for “face to
face” meeting. In 1 John 1:4, he expresses similarly, “We write this to make
our(your) joy complete.” In John 15:11, when Jesus told his disciples about
remaining in him and his love, he said, “I have told you this so that my joy
may be in you and that your joy may be complete.” These verses emphasize that the
purpose of Christian fellowship is that “our joy may be complete.” “Our
fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ” (1 Jn.1:3). It is
a privilege for every Christian.
Our purpose in proclaiming the Gospel
is to share our fellowship with God. John could have written all that he wanted
to write. Instead, he wanted to tell them clearly in person and have complete
and mutual joy. He did not want to miss a chance to meet the believers “face to
face.” In our fellowship with believers, do we have complete joy or chaos? Let
us remain in Christ and have complete joy in our fellowship with God and other
believers.
APPLICATION: When I meet someone face to face, I can have clear
communication and relationship with him/her. Opportunities for miscommunication
are minimal in face-to-face communication. I should not miss the privilege of
having fellowship with God and fellow believers (Heb.10:24-25). “How good and
pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!” (Ps.133:1).
PRAYER: Loving God, thank
you for your call to be a member of Christ’s body, the Church. Lord, use me for
your glory and fill me with your joy. Holy Spirit, give me the wisdom and
strength to remain in Christ's love and use my spiritual gifts for the common
good. Amen.
- Arputharaj Samuel
+91 9538328573
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