1 John 2: 12-29
Tuesday, 05 March 2024
And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever. -1 John 2:17
There is so much of glitter and glamour that meets our eyes in the world and some just bask in all its fading glory. They fail to realize that the whole world is heading toward the last scene of a grand play, a climax when every single person would have to meet with his/her Maker. The one who has met with his Creator and does His will abides unto eternity; others will be caught up along with the destruction of the world in those days.
Apostle John foreknew that such a time would come and he prepared the believers to be ready. Just as in the days of the early church our times are no better with many who are ant-Christ, anti-Bible. How can believers live victoriously in such hostile situations even as we eagerly await Christ’s Coming?
John focuses on 3 aspects we need to know to keep us firm on the foundation of Christ and prepare us to stand unashamedly before OUR KING when He returns:
1. Know that many would depart from the family of God (1 John 2:19) – Jesus forewarned that in the end times many will turn away from the faith and betray and hate each other (Matt.24:10); they will leave the church because they will have nothing in common with the believers. So even as we see the love for God growing cold it shouldn’t surprise us as it was already spoken of. One thing that binds believers together is the love for our Saviour. They who leave are the ones who have lost “the reverent wonder” of their Saviour and their eyes and minds are captured by the fading glories of this world. They have lost the vision of the ‘Most High God.’ May we never lose our Wonder of our Saviour so that we be found in Him when He returns!
2. Know the truth and live in it (1 John 2:20) – Jesus promised the disciples that though He would leave the world, the Spirit of truth would come to guide them into all truth (John 16:13). It is this anointing in us that will help us walk in the truth in God’s Word. The Word has clearly taught us the truth that is in the Father and the Son, but this very truth is now challenged by the world! How can believers face this challenge? John gives us the answer in 1 John 2:27: “… the anointing in you teaches you.” Let’s continue to live in this anointing that we received from God (2 Cor.1:21) so that we can understand and defend the truth we believe. This is possible only when the Holy Spirit teaches us. May we in these last days yearn for His Spirit that we might know the things of God and all that has been freely given to us by God (1Cor. 2:12)!
3. Know Him who is from the beginning (1 John 2:12-14) who is the Righteous One (1 John 2:29) who would help us practise righteousness. In Isaiah 53:11 Jesus is referred to as “My Righteous Servant,” the One who did and does the will of His Father. Today even as we claim to be His disciples, are our words and deeds right before God?
The Bible portrays righteous living as follows:
· Abiding in Christ - 1 John 2:28
· Living by faith - Romans 1:17
· Doing what is right - 1 John 3:7
· Giving generously - Psalm 37:21
· Speaking words of wisdom that will build the hearers - Prov. 10:21&31
Let us make every effort to reflect our Righteous King as we align our lives to His word and await His Coming. The LORD will guide us in paths of righteousness for His namesake! (Psalm 23:3).
Prayer: LORD Jesus, Be Thou my wisdom, and Thou my true word
I ever with Thee and Thou with me, Lord
Thou my great Father, and I Thy true son
Thou in me dwelling and I with Thee one
Listen: 'Be Thou my vision'