October 31, 2022

Passage Read: 1 John 5 - 2 John 1
Meditation Verses: 2 John 1:7-8

Thought

We need to be on guard against those who deny that Jesus has come in the flesh. They are from the devil, they are of the antichrist. Interestingly, John writes asking them to watch themselves so that "we" may not lose the things "we" worked out, but receive a full reward. He's asking this "lady" and her elect children to resist the influence of the antichrists so that he may not lose his reward, nor the things he labored over. He is likely talking about all his efforts on their behalf to lead them to Christ and teach them to walk in his ways. If they fall from the faith, they will not be to his credit in glory. His desire for eternal reward drives him to care for and protect those he's led to Christ.

Application

If I am eager for reward, I too need to keep aware of those I've helped and whether they remain with the Lord or not. In fact, I should be urging them to stay faithful to the Lord and not abandon Him. If they are led astray from Christ, I lose out and my efforts in their lives are for naught. How many have believed in vain? How many of those I led to Christ have remained? I have not been able to keep track of most of them, but entrusted them to the care of others. If I really want to be greedy for heavenly treasure, not only do I need to share Christ, but be involved in the training and protection of those who believe.