3 John 4. I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.
Oh Friends, let’s rise and shine this glorious Monday morning like the brilliant sun that’s peeping over the horizon. That’s with a strong sense of purpose; a sense of purpose that dictates we’ll live as best we can for Christ today! Let’s quickly dispel the grumbling, grouchiness, dismay, anxiety and blues that come rolling around every Monday morning when we have to get up and face the boring, exasperating music of work again. Most of us have no choice but to labour for a living, so let’s ditch the negatives that rise up against us every Monday, and instead grab hold of the positives, like we’ll be able to pay the mortgage and car loans, plus clothe and feed our children, and hopefully pay the million and one other bills that need to be paid. So with all that in mind, let’s sing our Monday Morning Battle Hymn. And though some of you are just getting up, and your voices are still croaky with sleep, (smile) let’s give it our best shot. As one harmonious choir now: ‘Oh Lord God Almighty, Creator of the universe and all therein! We, your humble servants, praise your Holy Name and thank you that this Monday morning we have jobs to go to; jobs we don’t like, jobs that are unfair, difficult and even dangerous, but which serve a useful purpose here on earth; keeping lives and families together. We also thank you Father for the renewed vitality and enthusiasm you’ve wrought in our weary souls over the last two days. It’s that rejuvenation of Spirit which allows us now to sally forth with confidence into the evil, ungodly world that surrounds us, to begin a new week of work, constantly buffeted and bombarded by the enemy’s wicked taunts, wiles and lies. But heavenly Father, we’re not afraid, for we know we’re invincible, sure conquerors, once we’re wearing your powerful, protective spiritual armour. We surrender our all to you, and humbly ask that you let your incredible aura of LOVE, the Holy Spirit, lead and guide all your servants as we go out to meet the enemy in battle. Fill us with steadfast faith, so that we can make worthwhile inroads into the enemy’s ranks, and thereby further your glorious kingdom. We pray this in the Holy Name of your Son, and our Saviour, Jesus Christ. AMEN!’ Now that’s my people! The angels were jealous, and Jesus was real proud! So please keep the enthusiasm going, even when the adrenalin returns to normal. And our Bit blends in quite nicely with all that’s gone before: ‘I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.’ Here in his third epistle, John’s writing to a close friend, Gaius, whom he truly cherishes, and wishes to prosper both in physical and spiritual health. He continues by telling of his great joy on hearing the news of Gaius’ steadfastness – he both talked the talk and walked the walk. (3 John 1-3) And having that wonderful news sink into his soul, John declares the glorious words of our Bit, which are so heart-warming that we shall repeat them. ‘I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.’ John isn’t speaking of his own children, (don’t know if he had any) but generally of those whom he helped to come to Christ. To him, nothing could be more beautiful and fulfilling than to hear that they were still walking the straight and narrow path. And no doubt all of us will feel the same about any persons whom we helped in their walk with Christ. But Friends, now I want to go even one step further and solemnly declare that for a believer, there’s no joy comparable to that of hearing that our children, our own flesh and blood are walking steadfastly in and with Christ, the way we taught them! Wow! Nothing can be more rewarding than that my brethren! Yuh hear that mih children? (smile) There’s no greater joy you can bring to the ole fella’s heart than to know that you are walking and talking in true faith as your mother and I endeavoured to teach you, but which first began with your Grandmother Molly. It brings to mind, Bruh Paul’s reminder to Timothy. ‘When I call to remembrance the unfeigned (genuine) faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also.’ (2 Tim.1:5) So please don’t make me a liar children. (smile) Oh Friends, I’m sure you all will agree that there’s no greater blessing a Christian parent can take to his or her grave, than that of knowing their offspring is walking faithfully in the light and truth of Jesus, for that means the gospel will continue to be carried to the whole world, as Jesus commanded, and that the hope for our world to improve will remain strong. Unfortunately though Friends, too many parents of this generation will return to the dust from whence they came without that satisfaction. That is because we have not done such a good job with our children in their early formative years, by teaching them the Word and how to resist temptation when it comes along. So now, too many of them are sadly caught up in the false, glitz, glitter and glamour of the world, on the road to a sad ending, writhing in its vice-like tentacles. That’s why our world is fast slipping into the mire of quicksand that the evil one has laid out for those who foolishly choose to accept his ungodly lifestyle, rather than Jesus’ repentance and salvation based way. But Friends, there’s still hope, because the breath of life still flows through our mortal bodies. But we have to act fast, like RIGHT NOW, working first on those close to us, then on others like our co-workers, to extricate them from the evil tentacles of Lucifer and bring them to the kind, ever-LOVING, peaceful rest, with salvation and everlasting life that’s found under the yoke of Jesus. More on this tomorrow, if life and limb allow. Till then, may the good Lord bless and keep us safely as we go out into this wicked world to work on His behalf. Much LOVE!…saving souls from eternal perdition…that’s why Jesus came to earth…the same is required of His followers…
SCRIP-BITS 