I have grown to have a fascination with studying John. Not just his writings in the Bible but his life. John was the youngest of the Disciples. Most theologians believe he was around the age of 20 when Jesus met him and invited him to become a Disciple. Most theologians also believe that John was likely a cousin to Jesus.John was not only a disciple but he was apart of the inner circle of Disciples and was often referred to as "the one Jesus loved". John was apart of all the miraculous things that Jesus did. He had a front row seat. One of the most amazing things was what happened at the Cross of Jesus. Most of the other Disciples had ran away... but not John. John was right there consoling and holding up Mary as she watched her son receive the worst death imaginable. Then Jesus gave John a very important job. He asked John to take care of his mother. This is a job that you give to someone that you trust completely. Jesus knew that John was rock solid and dependable at all costs. The amazing thing is that John was faithful for 80+ years to the mission and friendship of Jesus. Most theologians believe that John died in his 100's. At the time he wrote Revelation he was the last Disciple alive, all the rest had suffered a martyrs death. John was also faithful through much torture and persecution. Because John constantly preached the Gospel and was building up churches in Turkey constantly he was told to stop sharing the Gospel but he did not stop. So the Romans then boiled him alive in hot oil but this did not kill him. Therefor they sent him away for life to a deserted island called Patmos. Patmos is where Jesus met John and presented him with the vision and revelation for what became the Book of Revelation. John was a pastor and networker of the church in Turkey. The seven churches mentioned in Revelation 2 & 3 are churches that John planted and spent most of his life encouraging, teaching and building into the life of these churches.
So as you can see John was incredible. So I want to take some time over the next few days to read and study 1 John, 2 John and 3 John. So here we go...
John opens up 1 John by reminding people of how truly amazing Jesus was and that He was God's Son. He also does and amazing job of reminding people that Jesus isn't some fictional person but that He is someone who John knows personally and can attest to the works and life of Jesus. I love what he finishes the first paragraph with, "And we are writing these things so that our joy may be complete." We have to remind ourselves and others often about Jesus. Not only who He was, but also the things He taught, promised, proclaimed and did. 1 John chapter 1 is a very important reminder and call to not allow loose living in our lives. God is light and therefore no darkness is in Him. We have to choose are we going to live a life or darkness or light. We cannot have one foot in and one foot out. I love the challenge John gives us and the church here. If we repent which is a daily, moment by moment lifestyle not just something we do once and are good; then He is faithful to forgive us. I want to always be reminded of who Jesus is and therefore that encourages me to always walk in the light.
I pray that we ask God to bring into light what is dark and remove all darkness in our life and fill it with His light. May we be a people of repentance.
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