November 26, 2024 - 1 John 2

John begins his inventory of tests – here, in chapter 2:  walking in the light, loving brothers in Christ, persevering in the faith, making a right testimony about Jesus, and desiring the things of heaven over earthly matters – and addresses all.  He writes to the “little children,” to “fathers,” and “young men.”  He wants everyone to pay attention to what he writes.  It is important that we do so.  Why?  Because “all that is in the world – the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life – is not from the Father but is from the world.  And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever” (2:16-17).  All this, one day, will be gone.  All the worldly things that please us, today, will one day cease to exist.  But God is eternal.  And heaven is without end.  And the sweet fellowship and joy that will be ours will go on and on and on.  That’s something to look forward to!

What is the world to me

with all its vaunted pleasure

when you, and you alone,

Lord Jesus, are my treasure!

You only, dearest Lord,

my soul's delight shall be;

you are my peace, my rest.

What is the world to me!

The world is like a cloud

and like a vapor fleeting,

a shadow that declines,

swift to its end retreating.

My Jesus shall remain,

though all things fade and flee,

my everlasting rock.

What is the world to me!   -- G. M. Pferfferkorn (17th century)