Fellow workers!
Scripture reading for November 27: 3 John
“Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul. For I rejoiced greatly when the brothers came and testified to your truth, as indeed you are walking in the truth. I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth. Beloved, it is a faithful thing you do in all your efforts for these brothers, strangers as they are, who testified to your love before the church. You will do well to send them on their journey in a manner worthy of God. For they have gone out for the sake of the Name, accepting nothing from the Gentiles. Therefore we ought to support people like these, that we may be fellow workers for the truth.” 3 John 2-8
John’s third letter gives us insight into what gives God and pastors great joy. John began with a prayer for the pastor that all would go well with his soul and that he would be in good health. John rejoiced with Gaius, the beloved elder of this church, that the believers were walking in the truth. Faith always pleases God and is a source of joy for church leadership.
John had encouragement for the church there as they were showing hospitality to some strangers. These were brothers who were fellow workers in Christ’s kingdom and they had given John a good report on the generosity and hospitality of this church. John confirmed their good deeds and generosity and suggested that this church send these brothers on their way in a manner worthy of God Himself. These workers were living by faith and accepted nothing from the Gentiles that they might preach the Gospel to them. When believers support these missionary workers, they share in the harvest that is reaped and bring God’s joy, blessing and provision flowing back towards them. This world view would bless the church and God!
Are you sometimes reluctant to support those who are missionaries and may be strangers to you? Are you aware that when you support missionaries, you actually share in their work and bring joy to God by your faith? Is it also wise to seek the recommendation of elders concerning missionary workers?
Prayer: Father God, I want to please You and bring joy to those in church leadership. Help me to discern those who are reaping a harvest and sowing the Gospel from those who may be deceivers. I desire to prosper and be in health because of a healthy soul that is generous towards kingdom workers. Amen.
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