I hope to come to you and talk face to face, so that our joy may be complete: 2 John 12-13

2 John 12-13

¹² Though I have much to write to you, I would rather not use paper and ink. Instead I hope to come to you and talk face to face, so that our joy may be complete.

            John’s desire was not just to send a letter to these believers but to see them face to face. Just as a father longs to see his child when they are apart, John longed for the opportunity to see his spiritual children. God has called us to invest in the lives of others. Every believer is called not only to be a disciple but also to make disciples. It is important that we daily build our lives on the truth of God’s word and continually move toward maturity. As we grow in our walk with God, our capacity to be used by Him increases. Ministry is not solely the responsibility of the apostle, prophet, evangelist, pastor, or teacher; it is a responsibility of the entire body of Christ. 

            John had a lot to write. As we grow in our relationship with God, our desire to invest in and pour into believers who follow us will increase. When we spend daily time in God’s word, abiding in the truth and being in His presence, we are changed and equipped to be the sons and daughters God has called us to be. The question to consider is: who are you investing in? Who are you mentoring for God and His kingdom? Who is it that you are helping to walk in their destiny and purpose?

            Where we will find true joy is doing the work of God’s kingdom. The word complete here means fulfill; complete; fill. To finish — to come or bring to a finish or an end.^[1] True joy and complete happiness are found in doing the work of God’s kingdom. It is found in investing in fellow believers and reaching those who are lost. We are called to live a life that is on mission every single day. Each day, through every interaction, we have the opportunity to see God’s kingdom advance. John was a man who understood this, and because of his heart and willingness, he was used mightily by God to advance His kingdom.

¹³ The children of your elect sister greet you.

            I believe the elect sister here is the local church and the bride of Christ. The word elect means chosen. Chosen or worthy of choice (excellent).^[2] We are chosen by God not because we deserve it, but because in His grace He sets us apart. Before the foundation of the world, the Lord chose us. He chose us to be His children—to live for Him and to do His will. The people John wrote to were believers and followers of Jesus Christ. Everything we find in scripture is meant to guide and direct our lives. It is the playbook God has given us to become more like Him and accomplish His purposes. May we cherish the word of God. May we build our lives upon it. May we seek to know His heart and His mind.

Prayer

Father, I thank you for the salvation I have through your Son, Jesus. Thank you for saving me and bringing me out of the dominion of darkness. Father, every day help me to be the disciple you have called me to be. Help me to know you and to follow you. Reveal to me who you are calling me to invest in and mentor. Father, help me see in others what they cannot see in themselves. Father, help me to be the servant you have called me to be. In the name of Jesus, Amen!

^[1] Rick Brannan, ed., Lexham Research Lexicon of the Greek New Testament, Lexham Research Lexicons (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2020).

^[2] A. Chadwick Thornhill, “Election,” in Lexham Theological Wordbook, ed. Douglas Mangum et al., Lexham Bible Reference Series (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2014).