Watchman: Daily Devotional, John’s Greatest Joy Was to Know That His Spiritual Children Were Walking in the Truth (3 John 4). He Firmly Denounced Anyone Who Attempted to Divert Them From That Goal by Denying or Distorting God’s Word
Daily Devotional:
As 1 John 2:5 says, "Whoever keeps [God's] word, in him the love of God has truly been perfected."
Some imagine John as overly sentimental and egotistical, lying on Jesus' shoulder and constantly referring to himself as the disciple whom Jesus loved. However, that is not an accurate description of one of the "Sons of Thunder"! He adored Jesus and was astounded that Jesus adored him, especially after he desired to burn the Samaritans and then secure a prominent position in Christ's kingdom. Calling himself "the disciple whom Jesus loved" (e.g., John 21:20) was simply a way for him to express his gratitude for God's grace in his life.
As much as he adored Jesus, John never allowed his feelings to become sentimental. In fact, his ministry is distinguished by the proper balance of truth and love. We find the word love more than eighty times and witness nearly seventy times in his writings. His deep love for Christ compelled him to be a love teacher and a truth witness. To him, the highest expression of love was obedience to the truth. According to 1 John 2:5, "whoever keeps [God's] word, in him the love of God has truly been perfected."
The greatest joy for John was knowing that his spiritual children were walking in truth (3 John 4). He vehemently condemned anyone who tried to deviate them from their goal by denying or distorting God's Word.
Today's media talk shows and other influences have muddled the distinction between opinion and truth. One man's opinion is said to be as valid as the next, and there is little discussion about what is right or wrong.
Even within the church, truth suffers because many Christians are willing to compromise it in order to avoid upsetting people. They forget that true love can only flourish in the presence of biblical truth (Phil. 1:9).
In the midst of such perplexity, God calls you to speak the truth in love (Eph. 4:15). The world does not require another viewpoint; it requires God's absolute and authoritative Word!
Prayer Suggestions
Thank God for His love and the strength of His truth. Request that He make you a person of increasing biblical integrity.
For Further Research
Revelation 2:1-7 should be read.
What were the church's strengths in Ephesus?
What was missing?
What did Jesus expect of it?
The Great Tribulation
It is our belief that the Great Tribulation referred to in the New Testament Book of Revelation (chapters 6-11) is unfolding before our eyes. In the near future, we will devote the "Tribulation" tab on our "Trending" menu to this emerging reality. As people continue to unplug from mainstream media, our commitment is to present the truth and encourage our audience to understand current events from a Biblical perspective. Click here to begin the journey.
The Watchman
In the Bible, the Watchman is responsible for keeping watch and warning others of potential danger or impending judgment. The role is mentioned several times in the Old Testament, particularly in the book of Ezekiel. In Ezekiel 33:6, God says to the prophet Ezekiel, "But if the watchman sees the sword coming and does not blow the trumpet, so that the people are not warned, and the sword comes and takes any one of them, that person is taken away in his iniquity, but his blood I will require at the watchman's hand." Click here to begin the journey.
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