Day 359b: 3 John

They deserve any support we can give them. In providing meals and a bed, we become their companions in spreading the Truth (The Message, 3 John 8).

John writes his friend Gaius, thanking him for the hospitality shown traveling Christians and evangelists. Apparently that was not the norm for some churches. He references Diotrephes, who has not only turned away Christian travelers, but has intimidated other church members into doing the same (vv. 9,10).

Years ago, my wife Janelle and I traveled the United States singing in churches and leading worship for camp meetings and revivals. We relied on the kindness of strangers as those churches supported our ministry financially and provided us food and lodging when we were in town. I remember a poor old blind woman in Maine who gave us the very best she had to offer, as if she was receiving Christ himself. Though she’s passed on now, we still thank God every time the Holy Spirit brings her to our memory, which is often.

Jesus memorialized forever the woman who poured perfume on his head shortly before his crucifixion (Matthew 26:6-13). He also taught: If anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones who is my disciple, truly I tell you, that person will certainly not lose their reward (Matthew 10:42). If we love Christ, how can we not show hospitality to those who minister in his name?

TODAY’S MEDITATION

Give thanks for those who have stepped out in faith to serve the Lord Jesus Christ. Ask God how you can honor them, receive them with hospitality, and be a blessing to them in Christ’s name.