Face to Face

641.  "Face to Face"               November 1, 2012
2 John-Part 4   (verses 12-13)
Having many things to write unto you, I would not write with paper and ink: but I trust to come unto you, and speak face to face, that our joy may be full.  2 John 12 KJV

LET IT GLOW

Happy birthday, Jen. She's the most wonderful daughter inlaw I could ever have!
I am so blessed! I get to see my son, his wife, and daughter several times a week.

You know, there's nothing like speaking to a family member or friend in person, close-up, personal, face-to-face. It's been almost 16 months since I have hugged my four grandchildren, daughter, and son inlaw. We have Skyped once,talk on the phone often, but that isn't the same as being there in person. My how the children grown in a year's time. It's 19 days and counting down unto that day comes again. Yipee! We are headin' north this month! My joy will be full, as John put it in our key verse.

I can hear the warmth and love in John's heart as he concludes this second letter. it was a brief one. he wanted to speak with his fellow believers face to face.

God spoke to a man face to face. Do you know who it was? Moses. (Numbers 12:8)

God spoke to Moses "mouth to mouth."
John wanted to speak to this church in the same way, to restore them to spiritual life in Christ. (Falwell)

Face to face is a figure of speech, telling of great and unhindered intimacy. The form of the Lord is what Moses had actually seen with his physical eyes, because he couldn't see the Lord and live. (Guzik)

A heart full of love pours itself out more freely face to face than by a letter. (Jamieson, Fausset, Brown)

Pen and ink were a means of strengthening and comforting others. (Matthew Henry)

How do I speak to a holy God? Does His Spirit speak to me often? Am I listening whenever He does?

LET IT GROW

That our joy may be full.

The blessing of hospitality is full joy. John uses this same wording in 1 John 1:4. When believers uphold the biblical standards for fellowship, the result is genuine joy among believers because the truths of the Word are maintained.  (MacArthur Bible Commentary)

How is my Christian hospitality? Is it shown with love, unity, truth? Am I filled with joy each Sunday and Wednesday as my church meets for worship and Bible study together? Am I glad to see these brothers and sisters in between those times? Do I share joy with them?

LET IT GO

Forgive and let go of hurts so my joy may be full when I see my brothers and sisters in the faith, in my church, other believers.

Show the love of Christ when I speak face to face with others.

I'm praying for our eastern friends since Sandy arrived.

Gaylene, sweet friend, keep us informed of your situation.