READING: Zechariah 12-14, Psalm 94, 2 John
John had much to say to his readers in 2 John. He warned them about false teachers, and he challenged them to exhibit their love in Christ. What most catches my attention today, though, is the way he ends this short letter: “Though I have many things to write to you, I don’t want to use paper and ink. Instead, I hope to come to you and talk face to face so that our joy may be complete” (2 John 12). John could have written more, but he instead preferred to speak to the believers face-to-face—and that kind of genuine fellowship when they were walking in truth would bring him great joy.
Here’s why I halted at this text today: I fear many of us have unintentionally moved away from personal, “mouth to mouth” ministry to ministry only by emails, texts, and whatever digital means are next available to communicate. Some of us have friends and church members with whom we communicate regularly, but we haven’t heard their actual voice in years. Nor have they heard from us the empathy, concern, joy and love we have for them that they can fully grasp only by hearing our voices. For example, sending a prayer by text (which is hardly wrong in itself) is simply not the same as praying aloud with someone in person, over the phone, or via some other means that allows our heartfelt expression to be heard.
Ministry is a face-to-face calling, and I think most of us need this reminder. I thank God for His Word that so speaks.
PRAYER: “Help me, God, to long to be with Your people and to direct them face to face.”
TOMORROW’S READING: Ezra 5-6, Psalm 95, 3 John
