December 1, 2024 - 2 John

There are warnings here about the antichrist and participating in wicked works.  We live in a world that presses us continually to walk away from God.  But, then, there is this:  “I rejoiced greatly to find some of your children walking in the truth, just as we were commanded by the Father.  And now I ask you, dear lady-- not as though I were writing you a new commandment, but the one we have had from the beginning-- that we love one another.  And this is love, that we walk according to his commandments; this is the commandment, just as you have heard from the beginning, so that you should walk in it” (1:4-6).  Here’s the heart of a pastor, the heart of a loving apostle.  He writes to one he calls “dear lady,” likely the congregation (the letter is written in the second person plural).  He is full of joy because he sees the people not following after the world but walking in obedience to God’s commands.  Full of joy, indeed!

I am weak but Thou art strong;

Jesus, keep me from all wrong;

I'll be satisfied as long

As I walk, let me walk close to Thee.

Thro' this world of toil and snares,

If I falter, Lord, who cares?

Who with me my burden shares?

None but Thee, dear Lord, none but Thee.

When my feeble life is o'er,

Time for me will be no more;

Guide me gently, safely o'er

To Thy kingdom shore, to Thy shore.   –Anonymous (1942)