Friday, May 24, 2024  

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Today's Scripture
3 John 1:1–15

The elder to the beloved Gaius, whom I love in truth. Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, just as it is well with your soul.

I was overjoyed when some of the friends arrived and testified to your faithfulness to the truth, namely how you walk in the truth. I have no greater joy than this, to hear that my children are walking in the truth. Beloved, you do faithfully whatever you do for the friends, even though they are strangers to you; they have testified to your love before the church. You will do well to send them on in a manner worthy of God; for they began their journey for the sake of Christ, accepting no support from non-believers. Therefore we ought to support such people, so that we may become co-workers with the truth.

I have written something to the church; but Diotrephes, who likes to put himself first, does not acknowledge our authority. So if I come, I will call attention to what he is doing in spreading false charges against us. And not content with those charges, he refuses to welcome the friends, and even prevents those who want to do so and expels them from the church. Beloved, do not imitate what is evil but imitate what is good. Whoever does good is from God; whoever does evil has not seen God.

Everyone has testified favorably about Demetrius, and so has the truth itself. We also testify for him, and you know that our testimony is true. I have much to write to you, but I would rather not write with pen and ink; instead I hope to see you soon, and we will talk together face to face. Peace to you. The friends send you their greetings. Greet the friends there, each by name. (NRSV)

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Reflection

When he wrote this letter, the Apostle John was getting on in years. Visiting the clusters of believers in Turkey and Greece, perhaps remembering the tongue of flame he received on Pentecost, may have been a rewarding time for him, but also exhausting, from travel, discomfort, age, and other people. Humans are flawed communicators. To deliver his message, and to spread the joy of Christ’s word, John feels it necessary to meet everyone face to face.

This was a time of missionaries, linking isolated Christian communities. The goal was not evangelizing to nonbelievers; it was keeping the “truth” alive, the truth of Christ’s teachings and the Holy Spirit whose power was shared among the travelers. Only in community can there be Christ.

This is unknown, however, to one Diotrephes, who has set himself at the top of his community to spread lies about other believers. Further, he has set himself up as the gatekeeper of who gets to spread the message in his area. John is having none of that, obviously. He won’t confront Diotrephes but will join other believers and strengthen connections.

How many times have you wished you could meet if not Jesus then an actual apostle? If you met John, would you have a list of questions ready? Would his answers be satisfying? Myself, I wouldn’t expect John to have all the answers. It might not be a clear-cut “help my unbelief” moment. But within a community of believers, and with John, perhaps the joy of community would be enough.

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Prayer
Dear Jesus, centuries have passed since you gave your message face-to-face to your disciples. Help us keep it alive, as you see fit, in our daily doings with those around us. Help us not to be gatekeepers but to welcome, befriend, and celebrate your love with others. Amen.

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Written by Jim Garner, Member of Fourth Presbyterian Church

Reflection and Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church

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