Because We ARE Strong

At the opening of 1 John 2, John continues to discuss hypocrisy. In my opinion, this book of the Bible directly applies to the issues of our World to day. What greater issue is there within the church than judgmental hypocrisy? Jesus spent all of his time with those whom the rest of the world deemed "unworthy" or "lowly" -- the prostites, the tax collectors, and his 12 lowly fishermen who we call saints today. We are called to be servants in His name, to spend time with those the rest of the world ignores. Who are we to say we are better than others? Is not EVERYONE a hypocrite? The difference is -- because we live in the light we KNOW that we have someone whose blood is atonement for our hypocrisy. We live in the light, and NOT the darkness. Again, we cannot just claim to "know Him" and refuse to follow his commands -- one of which is to go and make disciples of ALL nations. Let us share the joy of Christ's with ALL of the world -- who are we to decide who deserves redemption? We do not have that right, because we as a fellow man are just as blemished as anyone else. And what I love about the way John puts it is this: "My friends I am NOT writing you a new command but a new one." We stumble across something in the Word and our eyes are "opened" -- yet it's ALWAYS been there. These commands are timeless, and we should keep them always.

But my favorite verses of chapter 2 are verses 12-14 and the encouragement John sends ALL of us, but more particularly to my stage of life:
"I write you young men because you are strong, the Word of God LIVES in you, and you have OVERCOME the evil one."
Hearing those words I am inspired and overjoyed! I have OVERCOME the evil one? YES! Again I forgot other encouragement in the Bible, "I can do ALL things through Christ who STRENGTHENS me." In Him I am strong and can overcome the evil one. No room for doubt there, just joy in its completest form! :) And just like John says, we know this truth and it is with us always. He writes us to remind us -- HEY, YOU DOWN THERE! You who are disheartened, who are not paying attention, who are forgetful, who are too caught up the things of this world, LOOK UP HERE -- you who are weary and heavy-laden : remember whose you are. You are HIS! ALWAYS remember this truth, the only thing that you can count on never, ever to be counterfeit! And He can do ANYTHING! Run to his arms, and let Him strengthen you. You will not overcome the evil one on your own, yet with Him nothing can overcome you.

Created over 2 years ago