Aren’t we glad the Lord led the apostles to write letters! The letters tell us of real world people and situations. There are gracious greetings: “The elder to the beloved Gaius, whom I love in truth. Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul” (1:1-2). There are expressions of joy: “For I rejoiced greatly when the brothers came and testified to your truth, as indeed you are walking in the truth. I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth (1:3-4). There are commendations: “Beloved, it is a faithful thing you do in all your efforts for these brothers, strangers as they are” (1:5). There are warnings and instructions: “Diotrephes, who likes to put himself first, does not acknowledge our authority. . . . he refuses to welcome the brothers, and also stops those who want to and puts them out of the church. Beloved, do not imitate evil but imitate good”(1:9-11). And, then, there are hopeful parting words: “I hope to see you soon, and we will talk face to face. Peace be to you. The friends greet you. Greet the friends, each by name” (1:14-15). Real people. Real situations. Real joys. Real concerns. All wrapped up in John’s little epistle. John’s words ring true in our ears and, though the world is sometimes a weary place for us, we have God’s Word to encourage and direct us along the way.
Walk together, children, don't you get weary,
walk together, children, don't you get weary,
walk together, children, don't you get weary,
there's a great camp meeting in the promised land. –African American Spiritual (no date)
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