I John 3:2 (NLT)
Dear friends, we are already God’s
children, but He has not yet shown us what we will be like when Christ appears.
But we do know that we will be like Him, for we will see Him as He really
is.
The apostle John authored both the gospel
of John and I, II, and III John. The purpose of the gospel of John was to
“arouse a saving faith” (John 20:31) while the purpose of I John was to
establish certainty (see I John 5:13) regarding that faith. Henrietta Mears described I John as the way,
the truth and the life (John 14:6) of Jesus Christ. Martin Luther described I John like this—“I
have never read a book written in simpler words and yet the words are
inexpressible”. I think that I John is
among required reading for brand new Christians.
John describes believers in Christ as God’s
children. What does it mean to be a
child of God? A Christian friend gave me
the following “letter” years ago when I was going through some really tough
times years ago, before the internet was available. I
frankly don’t know who authored this beautiful letter from God[1]. I have treasured these words and I hope that
you do too:
My Beloved Child,
I see your loneliness and
fears, your guilt and frustrations. I
see your endless search for love and fulfillment. All this must be in order for you to come to
the end of your own understanding ---then you can hear My voice. Listen carefully amid the noise of the world
and you will hear.
I love you! I shed My blood for you to make you
free. Give yourself completely to
Me. I created you to be just as you are,
and you are lovely in My eyes. Do not
criticize yourself or become depressed for not being perfect in your own
eyes. This leads to frustrations. I want you to trust Me one step, one second
at a time. Dwell in My power and My love
and be free; be yourself. Don’t allow
other people to control you. I will
guide you, if you let Me, but be aware of My presence in everything. I give you patience, love, joy, and
peace. Look to Me for answers for I am
your Shepherd and will lead you. Follow
Me only. Do not ever forget this. Listen and I will tell you My will.
Let My love flow from you and
spill over to all you encounter. Be not
concerned with yourself. You are My
responsibility. I will change you
without your ever knowing it. You are to
love yourself and love others, simply because I love you. Take your eyes off yourself; look only to
Me. I lead, I change, I create, but not
when you are striving. You are
Mine....let Me have the joy of making you like Christ. Learn from Him--be meek and humble of heart.
Your only command is to look to
Me, and Me only--not to yourself or to others.
Do not struggle, but relax in My love.
I know what is best for you and I will do it in you. Stop trying to become, and let Me make you
into what I want. My will is perfect; My
love is sufficient. I will supply all
your needs...only look to Me.
I love you,
Your heavenly Father
God is purposeful for not
describing to His children in Christ what we shall be like after we die other
than assuring us that we will be like Jesus and with Him. So whatever we read about the personality and
character of Jesus in the gospels and the rest of the New Testament, we can be
assured that each of us will be like Him.
May these words give you
great hope and comfort and may they strengthen you not only in your own efforts
to be faithful and obedient, but also to influence others around you to become
God’s children.
No comments:
Post a Comment