November 28, 2023 - 2 John

There’s only one chapter here in 2 John. Maybe a good reminder that good does not necessarily have to be long. 😊

“I rejoiced greatly to find some of your children walking in the truth, just as we were commanded by the Father” (4). I think, pretty clearly, that John is not here addressing specifically small children, but the offspring of his teaching, the children of God. He addresses them as an elder or a father who cares deeply for them and rejoices when he sees they are walking faithfully in the truth.

John follows up with: “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” (5). So well do these two verses reflect the genuine Christian life. The Bible, the gospel, is truth, and we have life when we believe and live the gospel; Jesus put it this way: “You have the words of eternal life” (John 6:68). Furthermore, Jesus teaches us, “By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:35). Truth and love. Yep, a pretty good summary of the Christian life.

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.

Just a closer walk with Thee,

Grant it, Jesus, is my plea,

Daily walking close to Thee,

Let it be, dear Lord, let it be. –Anonymous (1947)