For His Name’s Sake

3 John 5-8 Dear friend, you are faithful in what you are doing for the brothers, even though they are strangers to you. 6 They have told the church about your love. You will do well to send them on their way in a manner worthy of God. 7 It was for the sake of the Name that they went out, receiving no help from the pagans. 8 We ought therefore to show hospitality to such men so that we may work together for the truth.
 
JOHN continues to affirm his dear friend Gaius and exalt Christ. When we praise people for their faith, we must remember to credit and praise Jesus above his servants. No one would serve the Lord God if Jesus had not come to serve his own. No servants would have a full, joyful life without obeying the Lord’s commands.
    John commends Gaius and his church for the hospitality to the brothers who had come to them. For the sake of the Name – for glory of God - they went out from their home church to teach of Jesus. They went in faith, receiving no funds from pagans – or unbelievers. God provides for his faithful servants.
    These teachers returned to John and their home church to testify of Gaius’ faithful life. It is good to testify to the church of God’s power to transform and fill lives to his glory.
    Yes, we are to be humble in our faith. And yet, we must be eager to testify of God’s remarkable work through our lives. Joyfully we must always credit the Name – Jesus, Lord and Savior – is the sovereign power to shape the world. The church must know the Holy Spirit is active and alive in the world. He continually forms his servants to his purposes in his Name. Jeremiah testifies of this: Jeremiah 15:16 When your words came, I ate them; they were my joy and my heart's delight, for I bear your name, O Lord God Almighty.
    John obeyed Jesus’ commands. For the sake of the Name, John and the other disciples witnessed the truth. They became living testimonies of the living God. Pagans have become faithful disciples as Jesus’ Name has been declared.
    Now listen. When I ask people, “How have you seen Jesus this week in you life?” too many people will smile and really have nothing to say. That can’t think of the ways the Name empowers their lives. Let’s be aware to know John 1:3 Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. Testify, “I saw Jesus’ power to …. I saw Jesus when … I knew Jesus was with me on that day because …” Live in Christ’s glory. If you are saved in Jesus’ blood, then know the Name is your life. You are commanded to “be my witnesses”. (Matthew 28:20) A witness is not silent but testifies the truth.
    If you don’t know the Name as your saving power, then listen to Peter’s words: “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off – for all whom the Lord our God will call.” (Acts 2:38-29)
     
Life Thought: How is your life a living testimony of the Lord God Almighty?