Day 355

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3 John Introduction

Far from being problem-free, the church of John's day had its share of shortcomings, contentious saints and false teachers. In his third letter, John makes a special note of Diotrephes, "who loves to push himself forward as the leader" and seeks to interfere with commendable saints such as Gaius, a hospitable brother who brings great joy to John and has entertained missionaries he sent. Demetrius is another faithful servant in the church, one who has a good reputation within and without. John concludes by speaking of a future visit.

Scripture

December 20—3 John: Fellowship with Brothers

Observation

The shortest of John's epistles begins with the expressed desire for Gaius' prosperity (v. 2), and ends with a longing for Gaius presence (v. 14). In between, John holds up two shining examples of commendable saints, and makes note of one disruptive individual who "loves to push himself forward as the leader" (v. 9). Gaius is a constant source of joy to John because he walks in the truth; Demetrius is a faithful servant in the church, one who has a good reputation within and without. By contrast, Diotrephes receives John's rebuke for his gossip, pride and arrogant attitude. John concludes his letter by promising that he will deal face to face with the things he could not cover in writing when he makes a personal visit.

Application

Do you have a guest room in your house? If the answer is yes, then without knowing it you have turned your home into a hospital, for our English word "hospital" comes from a Latin word meaning "guest room." And that means every time you extend hospitality to a guest, that person has been "hospitalized"!

Your hospitality speaks volumes about your Christianity. When you practice hospitality, you are saying in effect, "My house or apartment may not be a candidate for Better Homes and Gardens, but I care enough about you to share it with you." Hospitality is other-oriented. It seeks to benefit those who are in greater need than yourself. And it is virtually a "lost art" in our hectic, self-centered times!

If you are able to, this will help you develop an attitude of hospitality (as Gaius had), start now to plan for opening up your home to others after the pandemic is over. Once that day comes, call up two individuals (or families), and put 3 John 5 to work! You'll soon discover how habit-forming hospitality can be.

Prayer

Dear heavenly Father, we thank you that we can pray to you about anything. We know that prayer is all-inclusive and there is no time or place that prayer does not cover and sanctify. All things on earth and in heaven, everything for time and for eternity are all embraced in prayer. Prayer reaches down to the least things of life and includes the greatest things that concern us. We pray for those in need that we will be able to meet their needs with the comfort you have given us who have everything we need in our Shepherd's name! Nothing is too great and nothing is too small to bring to you in prayer. Thank you, Jesus, for the power of prayer and thank you for being so good to us. In Jesus' name! Amen! 






© Odessa Mathis about my Father's business! 2020

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