There is nothing like seeing someone whom we have not seen in quite some time. Although letters and emails, phone calls and texts may keep us in communications with those with whom we care, a face to face encounter has none with which to compare. John the apostle alludes to this idea as he ends the book of Third John with a very special farewell to his well-beloved Gaius. He wrote in verse fourteen:
But I trust I shall shortly see you, and we shall speak face to face. Peace [be] to you. [Our] friends salute you. Greet the friends by name.
Yesterday we learned of John's desire to cease his writing to Gaius for the time even though there were many more words which he wanted to share with him. Although ink and pen were available, he would rather save his words for when he could see Gaius personally. Today John broadens that idea as he shares, “But I trust I shall shortly see you, and we shall speak face to face.” John knew that his words in person would have a greater impact than if he continued to write. Sometimes there is no better way for us to share with others than by allowing them to see our faces, our expressions, our emotions, and our intents than to be face to face with them. John had a faith that he and Gaius would be together soon, and the conversation they would have would have a greater fulfillment then.
Next we see the final greetings and wishes for Gaius as John says his goodbyes. “Peace be to you.” The value of peace in our lives is so important. “Our friends salute you.” Knowing that others are concerned with us is always a great benefit, and “Greet the friends by name.” Names are a direct connection to others as our names are so important to us. But again remember, the impact of a face to face encounter will be far greater than written words. Which brings me to my final words about the book of Third John.
We have shared together about the importance of helping those who carry the message of Jesus Christ to the world, but we have not met face to face. We have shared about Diotrephes who impeded the gospel by having “preeminence” and helping no one, but we have not met face to face. We have seen the commendation of Demetrius and read of the joy that John has over his willingness to help itinerant prophets, but we have not met face to face. Finally we have shared together about this man named Gaius without whom this fantastic little book would have never been written by John, and yet, we have not met face to face. My prayer for each of you who read this blog is that your lives will be exceedingly blessed as you continue to study and meditate upon God's word, and until such time as we together meet God face to face, may His word continue to help us all grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Next time we shall begin a new book of study, the book of Jude, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.
Until tomorrow...or till we meet face to face...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
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