"Beloved, I wish above all things that you may prosper and be in health, even as your soul prospers. For I rejoiced greatly when the brethren came and testified of the truth that is in thee, even as you walk in the truth." (III John 1:2-3)
I love these two scriptures because for me, these clearly distinguish between the actions of a "hired man" (who tends only to do what is required) , and conversely, another whose sole motivation for doing good works is because of the love that bubbles up inside them from their heart. The Bible is full of examples showing the difference. The one that comes to mind quickly is that of the rich man who seemingly does everything right according to the Law but stumbled when it came to selling what he owned.
John writes: "And this is love, that we walk after His commandments. This is the commandment -- that as ye have heard from the beginning -- ye should walk in it." (II John 1: 6) Jesus said, "If ye love Me, keep My commandments." (John 14:15)
I can already hear the hired man complaining of the things he or she "has to do" for the faith. Like the rich man, all they see in these particular scriptures is the word "commandment" -- the question of "what MUST I do to be saved?" But for those of us who are so thankful for the Lord's grace, mercy and justice in our life, our response toward Jesus and others is because of His love.
"We know that we have passed from death unto life ..." (I John 3:14)
To be clear, neither of these scriptures refer to the Law and the ten commandments -- that evolves from the old covenant. Rather, these point to the confirmation of a Lord God who willingly became our Saviour -- even while we were yet His enemies. A new testament sealed in His precious blood because He who knew no sin became sin for us. Indeed, He took our place on the cross so that we might be set free.
In Luke, Mary expressed her gratefulness this way.
"My soul doth magnify the Lord and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour. For He hath regarded the low estate of His handmaiden; for, behold, from henceforth, all generations shall call me blessed. For He that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is His name.
And His mercy is on them that fear Him from generation to generation ... He hath showed strength with His arm ... He hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree. He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich He hath sent empty away ..." (Luke 1:46-55)
Each and every one of us could learn from Mary's message. Throughout her own ordeal as a surrogate mother, she knew in whom she trusted. She recognized that God was about to become our Saviour, a message that is often lost in the eloquent teachings and religious culture of this day, and she rejoiced -- from within. Her heart bubbled with joy and peace, knowing that "holy is His name."
John wrote: "Hereby perceive we the love [of God], because He laid down His life for us: and we ought to lay down [our] lives for the brethren ... [Therefore,] my little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth. And hereby we know that we are of the truth and shall assure our hearts before Him ... and whatsoever we ask, we receive of Him, because we keep His commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in His sight." (I John 3:16-22)
Not performing deeds because these are commandments but because we love Jesus with all our hearts, souls, strength and minds.
"Herein is our love made perfect that we may have boldness in the day of judgment, because as He is, so are we in this world. There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear because fear hath torment. He that fears is not made perfect in love. We love Him because He first loved us." (I John 4:19)
We have so much to be thankful for. Magnify the Lord today, the same God who decided even before the world was formed that He would become our Saviour. The greatest love story ever told. Stand in the offering plate.
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