In an impersonal world, people rely upon devices and gadgets for communicating, but there continues to be no real substitute for a face to face meeting. Especially in John the apostle's day when he had no access to typewriters, emails, cell phones or web cams, He simply wrote with parchment paper and an ink well, possible a quill, and maybe a little candlelight. But nonetheless, John had a purpose in writing. His words of truth in love to “the elect lady and her children” have been our teacher for the last few days, and today John adds a personal note about his desire to see and speak to his audience. Let's look at his words in Second John verse twelve:
Having many things to write unto you, I would not [write] with paper and ink: but I trust to come unto you, and speak face to face, that our joy may be full.
It appears by John's words that there was much more to be said about these false teachers who were trying to persuade the elect lady from her faith in Jesus. John was adamant about not associating with those to whom he previously noted as having “evil deeds”. Sometimes a message is so important that it must be delivered in person, and John's emphasis upon the eternal ramifications of these deceivers and false teachers drove his desire to speak face to face with her about the matter.
Notice too that the result of the meeting face to face would be “that our joy may be full.” Seeing someone face to face that we love and adore has no substitute. To watch the loved one's expressions, to feel their embrace, to respond quickly to misunderstandings, and convey passion is never done better than when we are physically with someone. John desires to care for the elect lady in a personal way to be sure she understood all that he was saying to her. The result of their meeting together would be a shared joy that would be completely full.
Isn't it interesting how the one facet to writing is that it is very difficult to relay fully the intent of the writings? Passion may be misconstrued, words may be misread, and the full emotion is often lost. John knew that any misunderstandings or ill conceived intents could be completely resolved when he met with the elect lady, and perhaps his trust in coming to meet with her face to face will inspire us to meet with those to whom we love that our joy may be full with them as well.
Next time we finish the book of Second John by looking at a greeting given by John, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.
Until tomorrow...there is more...
Look for the new devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation” in all major bookstore sites, www.amazon.com ; www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore
No comments:
Post a Comment