Did you wonder who this lucky lady was to have received such a letter from the elder, John? I did this time of reading this book. I was so curious, I had to reference my other book when I covered this text. I hardly mentioned this woman in the other reflection, but she spoke volumes to me today. Isn’t it cool how the Holy Spirit reveals different clues to us each time we read the Bible!
It has been speculated that mention of this woman may have been a personalization representing a particular church or faith community. What we should do is step back and realize that, no matter the audience, John was an old man writing some very helpful guidance to somebody, and somebody else made sure this information was available to us in God’s Word. Powerful!
What was your takeaway from this reading? Don’t let it be the recipient’s identity. The recurring theme of love is certainly memorable. Perhaps it was the warning not to fall away from the faith. You can almost hear John cheering her on to finish strong.
It’s nothing new that deceivers exist in this world, trying to confuse Jesus’ message and identity. John says it right here in verse 9, “Anyone who wanders away from this teaching has no relationship with God. But anyone who remains in the teaching of Christ has a relationship with both the Father and the Son.” The place to be is in a relationship with Jesus, not being led astray by the deceivers in this world.
Have you ever been part of a group infiltrated by a deceiver? Maybe you didn’t realize at first, but then over time, your group disbanded, had disagreements, or discussions became uncomfortable. I’ve seen that happen in churches and small groups. Most recently, my social media feed seems to have been hijacked with well-meaning people lost in the frenzy of propaganda spewed. The world can be a confusing place without Jesus whispering in your ear.
Paul’s words from 1 Thessalonians 5:21-22 come to mind. I have recently shared a devotion about that text for pastors. It fittingly says, “[B]ut test everything that is said. Hold on to what is good. Stay away from every kind of evil.” I’ll challenge you as I did them. When you find yourself at odds with what you see or hear happening around you, do you cower and avoid engaging, or do you vocalize that your authority is Scripture?
She was us. John was writing to us. If you approach this chapter with that mindset, does it change anything for you?
Let’s pray. Lord Jesus, it’s texts like these that remind me how easy it is to fall away and be deceived. Make your way clear for me so I don’t stumble. Keep me alert to the evil one’s attempts to distract me and cloud my vision of you. Thank you for the guidance you give me each day. Use me to help others stay on the path that leads to life with you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
