READING: 2 John 1:1-13, 3 John 1:1-15
Today’s one of those days when I read the Word, and the first thing I think is, “Huh. Wonder why I never caught that text before.” No matter how many times I read the Scriptures, the Lord continually challenges and teaches me. He loves me enough to remind me how much I need to keep learning.
The text I never focused on before is the conclusion of 2 John in verse 12 (which is also strikingly similar to 3 John 13): “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.” The writer of these letters, the elder, had much more he wanted to say to his recipients, but he much preferred to talk to them in person rather than write more letters. He knew that simply seeing the believers face to face (a phrase that actually means “mouth to mouth” in the original language) would mean so much more. Indeed, it would complete their joy.
In a world dominated by social media, texting, and any multitude of electronic means of communicating, it’s worth our hearing these words from the elder today. Ministry to one another by written means (or even by telephone) is a start, but it’s hardly enough. There’s just something uniquely beautiful when two or more believers hang out together and challenge each other to walk well with Christ.
PERSONAL REFLECTION: What might you do to minister to someone in person today?
DAILY PRAYER: “Father, teach me the importance of ‘face to face,’ ‘mouth to mouth’ conversations.”
TOMORROW’S READING: Jude 1:1-25, Revelation 1:1-5:14
