Week 51: Living in the truth like Gaius

This week's reading plan is as follows:

* Sunday (epistles): 3 John
* Monday (the Law): Deuteronomy 29-31
* Tuesday (history): Esther 1-5
* Wednesday (psalms): Psalms 146-148
* Thursday (poetry): Song 5-6
* Friday (prophecy): Revelation 12-17
* Saturday (gospels): Acts 25-26

We're nearing the end of another year of reading through the Bible! I hope you've stuck with us as we diligently read through the pages of scripture. And I hope you're ready to continue in the New Year! As far as I'm concerned, I will continue to read through the Bible every year for as long as I live. Each year, God reveals new insights and draws us closer to Him.

This week's SOAP is from the 3rd book of John:

Scripture
3 John 4: "I could have no greater joy than to hear that my children live in the truth".

Observation
John writes this letter to Gaius, his dear friend. Gaius is helping out in the church by taking care of the needs of "traveling teachers" [New Living Translation], even though they are strangers to him. These "traveling teachers", are "brothers" who are traveling, probably missionaries sent by the mother church. This helping of Gaius is opposite of what Diotrephes, another church leader, is doing. Diotrephes discourages people in his church to help these missionaries, and even throws people out of his church who help them (verse 10). The apostle John will deal with him personally when he will come to visit.

It is in the above context that John writes verse 4. He is very pleased with all that Gaius is doing, and John "has no greater joy than to hear that Gaius (his faith child) is living in the truth.

Application
In a similar way, it brings me no greater joy than to see my own children "get it" and starting to live in the truth. Or my brothers and sisters at the church "get it". Baptisms that are happening, bible studies that are starting up, men mentoring men, women mentoring women, people doing their daily SOAP exercises. It's a wonderful thing when people "live in the truth" by obeying God's commands.

Prayer
Heavenly Father, what a rich blessing to see our children live in truth. I pray they will all become strong warriors for you, just like Gaius. In Jesus Name. Amen.

Have a great week. Merry Christmas to all!

In Him,

Dick