Reading: II John, III John & Jude
Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth. For I rejoiced greatly, when the brethren came and testified of the truth that is in thee, even as thou walkest in the truth. I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth(III John 1:2-4).
If we could give our children, family, or friends any advantage in the world, what would it be? If we could guarantee that any one aspect of their lives could be 100% perfect 100% of the time, what would we pick? For John, the answer to this question came easily. I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth. Everything else was secondary to this. As he rejoiced over the state of Gaius’ soul, he also expressed a hope that his letter found his friend both prosperous and healthy, but John’s joy would not have dimmed even if he had found him on his deathbed. Gaius was right with God, and John could find no greater joy.
In recent years, there have been those who have read these verses from III John and attempted to divert the focus from John’s joy in Gaius’ personal relationship with God to John’s salutatory wish that his friend be prosperous and in good health. They have convinced themselves and are working to persuade others that John’s words are representative of an if/then promise from God. They interpret John’s greeting in verse 1:2 as a promised blessing to Gaius. They claim that John’s words prove that the Lord desires for His Children to enjoy good health and worldly prosperity in equal measure to their faith. While it is easy to see how this idea could gain a substantial following in today’s overly materialistic society, what does God’s Word have to say on the subject?
And He (Jesus) said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth (Luke 12:15). Jesus’ position on the dangers associated with the accumulation of wealth is well documented. For it is easier for a camel to go through a needle’s eye, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God (Luke 18:25). Not only did He warn against it, He eschewed it for himself. And Jesus saith unto him, The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head (Matt. 8:20). Jesus taught us to seek spiritual treasures and to guard against allowing our hearts to be distracted by earthly possessions. Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also (6:19-21). Jesus never once equated godly blessings with earthly prosperity; neither should we.
Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself. But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content(I Tim. 6:5-8).
Thought For Today:To walk with God is to attain entrance to the kingdom of heaven; there is no greater prosperity to be found.
Word Studies:III John 1:10 prating against = falsely accusing; Jude 1:4 turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness = perverting the grace of God to permit immodesty, immorality, lustfulness.
Cross References:For Jude 1:5: See Num. 14:28-35. Jude 1:7: See Gen. 19:24. Jude 1:11: See Gen. 4:3-8, Num. 16:1-3,31-35; 31:8-16. Jude 1:23: See Zech. 3:2.
Pray For Staff:Gilbert Palafox • Government Official: Rep. Barry Loudermilk (GA),Sen. Ted Cruz (TX) • Country: Malaysia (30,073,353) Southeast Asia • Major Languages: Bahasa Malay • All Christian witness to Muslims is illegal • 60.4% Muslim; 19.2% Buddhist; 9.1% Christian; 6.3% Hindu; 2.6% Confucianism, Taoism Other Traditional Chinese Religions; 1.5% Other/ Unknown; 0.8% None • Prayer Suggestion: Lift up your heart to God in prayer (Lam. 3:41)