That Is So Exciting!

Daily Reading: 2 John & 3 John

Scripture Focus: I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth. (3 John 1.4)

Devotional Thought: I remember when my girls took their first steps. Before they did, we did everything we could to help them along. We coaxed, encouraged, even "let go" in order to get them to do it. And, when they did we were so excited we called their grandparents, of course! We knew that Grandma and Grandpa would be just as excited as we were. And, they were!

The Apostle John had heard that his children were "walking in the truth." And, he was excited!

He was excited because they "got it." Like any parent, John invested a lot in his spiritual children. But, how could he be sure that it paid off? When he saw them taking those steps, he knew that his labor was not in vain.

He was excited because it would protect them. John knew that, standing still, people were an easy target. He also knew that Diotrophes was sowing discord and doubt among the people. As long as his children were walking in the truth, they would be able to stay ahead of their antagonist.

He was excited because they could now share it. John wanted his children to be "fellow workers for the truth." Truth is not something we keep to ourselves, but it's hard to help someone else walk in the truth, if we are stumbling and staggering around! John couldn't help everyone himself, so when his children shared in the work, he was overjoyed.

He was excited because God would receive the glory. Others see us when we walk. How we live our lives is a testimony to what God is like. John rejoiced that his children were walking in and helping others walk in "a manner worthy of the Lord."

Prayer: Help me, O Lord, to walk in a manner worthy of your name. I want you to be excited when you see me take first steps. Help me, also, to help others take exciting first steps. Amen.

Psalm of the Day: Psalm 130.5-8

5 I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in his word I hope; 6 my soul waits for the Lord more than watchmen for the morning, more than watchmen for the morning.

7 O Israel, hope in the Lord! For with the Lord there is steadfast love, and with him is plentiful redemption. 8 And he will redeem Israel from all his iniquities.