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2 John 1-3
The elder,To the lady chosen by God and to her children, whom I love in the truth—and not I only, but also all who know the truth— because of the truth, which lives in us and will be with us forever: Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and from Jesus Christ, the Father’s Son, will be with us in truth and love.
New International Version (NIV)
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So the elder wrote to the chosen lady . . . Wait. What? Who are these people? The title of the book gives away the elder. Elder was an interchangeable title with overseer and pastor. Acts 20 and 1 Peter 5 show us that the early church used these words to describe the functions of the leaders of the churches. In this case, the elder was elderly. John may have been the youngest of Jesus’ first twelve apostles. He likely outlived the rest as the end of his gospel seems to say. The elderly may have something to say to us because they have lived longer. Before John went to Patmos and wrote Revelation, he pastored the church in Ephesus. There he oversaw the people, acted as their shepherd and shared with them the wisdom of one who was loved by Jesus and loved Jesus best of all.
Who is this chosen lady? Some of my fellow pastors have the tradition of calling their wives, “the first lady,” of the church, or Lady, for short. In this case though, the lady is likely the church itself. The church was chosen by God. Her children are the members of the body of Christ, the church who have been born again in Christ. John who loved to love, loved them in the truth. In fact he loved everyone who knew the truth. For John truth represented not just a principle but a powerful living reality. He had heard Jesus say, “I am the truth . . .” as he blessed them with grace, mercy and peace forever.
Returning to our former church this weekend reminded me that twenty years have passed for all of us. I can tell when I look in the mirror. Have our increasing years brought us wisdom? Are we growing up in Christ? As the truth of Jesus Christ abides in us and we abide in him, we discover that his truth transforms us into his likeness. Grace and mercy and peace will be with us because God’s Son, the living truth is with us. Legend has it that they propped John up against the table to preach in his latter years. He leaned forward and said, “Little children, love one another.” May we hear his word and put it into practice today.
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Pray with me:
Father, we thank you for our relationships in Christ. Thank you for the elders who speak the wisdom of the ages to us. Thank you for choosing your church and us as your children. Help us to know the Truth, love the Truth and live the Truth today. In this truth, set us free, we pray. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
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| This year we focus our Every Day with Jesus readings on Jesus’ story. With references to Tallowood's Read Through the Bible in 2018 daily reading plan, let's focus our undivided attention on Jesus and follow where he lead. He will not fail. Neither will we!
Joyfully,
Duane
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