“I could have no greater joy than to hear that my children are following the truth.”-3 John 4
The Apostle John spent approximately 3 years in close relationship with Jesus in person. John was privileged to daily eat with Christ, watch Him minister to people in a variety of ways, teach, heal, encourage, correct, and live a godly, sinless life. Imagine with me some of what John got to see firsthand. He witnessed Jesus heal all kinds of sick people. John got to see Jesus bravely and boldly cast out demons. He was present when Jesus walked on water and stopped a storm with just a command. John was there all the times Jesus taught and preached, both in small and large gatherings. One way that Jesus clearly impacted John’s life as a young man was that John saw and heard for himself the extreme value Christ placed on truth - both knowing the truth and living the truth.
Fast forward to many years later in John’s life. John, much older and radically changed by God’s truth, could then be found pouring out his life for others, teaching the truth about Jesus and God’s word. John had been transformed by Christ and filled with the Holy Spirit which led him to live out the truth and model the truth (imperfectly, of course). Upon reflecting on those he had mentored, John wrote: “I could have no greater joy than to hear that my children are following the truth.” John had come to understand the great significance of truth, of knowing and following the truth. It warmed his heart to see others walking in the truth! No doubt he remembered Jesus’ powerful words, “You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:31-32).
The truth matters. God is The Author of truth! Since He created all things and knows infinitely more than we do about all things, He is the One we should rightly look to for truth. And He has given us the truth clearly through His Word, the Bible. He wants each of us to know the truth and live the truth. Why? Because the truth will set us free! His truth guides us through this life and into the next if we will hear it, receive it, and follow it. His truth is the lens through which we are to see the rest of life. So let’s be encouraged afresh to be committed to knowing and following the truth. That means a prayerful life, a teachable spirit, and an open Bible to read and receive The Truth. May our prayer be like the Psalmist’s: “Open my eyes to see the wonderful truths in Your instructions.”-Psalm 119:18
Godspeed, friends!
-Scott