blended body

I write to you, young men,

because you are strong,

and the word of God abides in you,

and you have overcome the evil one.

1 John 2:14b

I love the poetic sounding encouragements of the apostle John. Even though he is writing to redeemed sinners in the church, he emphasizes the grace and power of God at work in them. He uses family/life stage metaphors to do this. Children (perhaps new believers are who he has in mind) are blessed with sins forgiven, knowing God the Father (1 John 2:12,13). Fathers (maybe referring to those mature in their faith or in leadership) have a deeper knowledge of the Father (1 John 2:13, 14). And young people (the bulk of the church and probably a metaphor for serious disciples on their journey of following Jesus) are encouraged to be strong, to let God’s Word live in them, and to remain in victory over the devil’s work.

As a pastor, I am called to have the Apostle John’s pastoral heart for the church... to make sure children love Jesus as the forgiver of sin and learn to trust and obey God their Father. I must encourage older disciples to invest their mature knowledge of God in the lives of younger disciples. I must seek to recognize and build up with mutual ministry all God’s church to be strong, Bible-saturated, sin-fighting followers of Jesus.

Lord Jesus,

Your Church is a beautiful family... all of it. Across the globe the church blends backgrounds, cultures, generations, individuals, and callings into one beautiful home where the gospel goes forward! May I always celebrate and support this in my life!

Amen