For a description of the (Y2) reading plan, see the “About” page.
3 John 1
Why was it so important to show hospitality to traveling gospel workers? In this letter, John mentions a couple of real life examples of what he wrote about in his other two letters. I suspect the likes of Diotrephes are the reason he wrote those letters in the first place. This man put himself first rather than extending God’s love to other believers. Based on the truth of John’s teaching, which is based on the truth of Jesus Christ, Diotrephes did not extend God’s love because God’s love was not in him. In contrast, John mentions Demetrius. “Demetrius is well spoken of by everyone – and even by the truth itself.” (3 John 1:12a).
This is what Jesus meant when He said that we would recognize false prophets by their fruits. (See Matt. 7). It is also what He meant when He said, “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:35). And it is the message that John worked to drive home to his readers. “Anyone who does what is good is from God. Anyone who does what is evil has not seen God.” (3 John 1).
2 Chron. 29-30
How did Hezekiah express his faithfulness to God and what were the results? Why do you think the kings alternated between good and bad? Hezekiah did not waste any time in working to turn the Kingdom back to God. Unlike Jotham from yesterday’s reading, Hezekiah did not inherit an even remotely Godly kingdom. Perhaps that is part of why his zeal and influence went far beyond that of Jotham. Hezekiah needed the help of others, especially the priests and Levites, to restore and reestablish God’s ways in Judah. But I love how Hezekiah wasn’t content to simply do the minimum. He encouraged everyone he possibly could to turn back to God, sending invitations out through the entire land of Israel.
Another thing I love about this story, which I have mentioned before, is how many of the people partook of the Passover even though they weren’t legally purified to do so. Hezekiah prayed that God would pardon these people whose hearts were set on seeking God even though they were not compliant with the law. “And the LORD heard Hezekiah and healed the people.” (2 Chron. 30:20). What a perfect picture of salvation in Christ! Anyone who seeks God can come to Him just as they are. They do not need to get themselves right according to the law first. Instead, Christ will intercede for them and God will hear and heal. And God’s cleansing is more complete and permanent than any purification efforts we could have made on our own.
Ps. 84
The psalmist sings of his love for the temple. Do you have a place you love to meet God? Compare this psalm to your love for God’s church (people). Blessed is your Son, O LORD, whom you sacrificed for us! Blessed are those who abide in Him; they are ever praising you. And blessed are those who are set on walking in your ways; they will appear before you in eternity. Better is the least you offer us in Christ than the best this world can give. LORD Almighty, blessed is the one who trusts in you.