As we move into the study of 2 John, the Apostle begins with these words: “The Elder, To the chosen lady and her children, whom I love in the truth – and not I only but also all who know the truth – because of the truth, which lives in us and will be with us forever. ” 2 John 1,2.
John was indeed “The Elder”. At the writing of this letter, he was one of the few remaining people on earth who had actually been in the physical presence of Jesus the Messiah. Being one of the chosen 12, he had walked the dusty roads with Jesus as a young man. He had seen the miracles first hand, and had been taught truth from the lips of our Lord Himself. We are privileged to have his words of truth to live in, and be guided by.
It is unclear as to whom he was writing. “The chosen Lady”, could have referred to a person that John felt had a special calling, or could have been a particular Church Family he highly regarded. In reality, it is written to each of us. His message is about truth, and how we love and live in the truth.
At this writing the Good News of Jesus Christ had spread to much of the known world, and the body of Christ, the Church, was growing moment by moment. Of course the evil one was at work as well, and he had planted false teachers in the church body to confuse and steal the Good News as much as possible. So it is today.
John was writing this short letter to encourage those who had accepted Jesus as Lord, to be on guard against false teaching. Teaching filled with half truths, and diluted. Some words truth, and some words not. Just enough truth to make people think what they are saying is true. He is telling us to look at all teaching, and teachers in the Church, and in life, through the eyes of the Holy Spirit within our spirit. The Spirit of the Father, and Christ Jesus, and the Holy Spirit is in our spirit when we are born again. Truth of life lives in us, and through us. We are one with Him as we look to Him to lead us. As we start our day in prayer and praise of His goodness and love. As we go to the Word each day, truth wells us in our spirit, and in our soul, and in our mortal body. Jesus said, “Then you shall know the truth, and the truth shall set you free.” (John 8:32)
Be blessed in the truth, God’s Beloveds. The truth is; God loves you more than words can describe, and desires to bless you abundantly through Christ Jesus. That is why He sent Him who is truth.
Poppa B.