“I have much to tell you, but I don’t want to do it in a letter. For I hope to see you soon, and then we will talk face to face.” 3 John 13-14 (NLT)
Every once in a while I get a forwarded email or a text message that encourages recipients to forward it to at least ten friends as evidence of the friendship. Well, you guessed it, I don’t forward them. You see, if my friendship depends on such things, then the relationship isn’t truly a friendship.
In today’s passage, John knew that an occasional letter (or even a regular one) wasn’t enough to maintain a relationship. He assured his friend Gaius of his hope to see him soon. John knew that a face-to-face visit from time to time is more important.
What a joy it is to get together with friends and family face to face! It sure stirs up visions of family gatherings and church fellowship meetings. Despite all the obstacles of fast-paced, routine lives, there’s just so much more to enjoy when we’re face to face. We can communicate much more effectively in a personal visit.
John’s letter to Gaius reminds me of people who awake in the morning, go to work, come home, watch TV, check their email, go to bed and repeat the same routine day after day, with very little contact with others. Their routine, keeps them from experiencing significant relationships with other people.
Then there is our relationship with God. God also wants a face-to-face visit with us. He has much to say to us and wants to speak with us face to face. This is why he sent his Only Son into the world. He wants a face-to-face encounter with us. Slow down, step out of routine for a moment. Tune in to God’s presence. He will answer our questions, give us solutions to our problems, and speak to us about our lives and situations. This is what we all claim we want.
Dear Father, thank you for Jesus Christ who gives us that intimate relationship with you. Forgive us, O God, for rushing through life and missing those divine moments of your presence. This I pray in the name of Jesus. AMEN
Be encouraged today in a face-to-face visit with God,