I have to say, after seeing Rob Bell speak this evening, posting on this blog is a challenge. Especially for a book that is half a page long. Normally, I could write for hours on this short piece of the Bible, but I am still trying to get my brain around Rob’s talk. It was incredible and I will probably reference it in the next few days once I have digested it. But now, speaking of traveling teachers, let us move on to 3 John:

Dear friend, you are doing a good work for God when you take care of the traveling teachers who are passing through, even though they are strangers to you. 3 John 1:5 (NLT)

First of all, teachers don’t really travel much to different towns any more (they just plant churches in school auditoriums and stay at Best Western when traveling to conferences) and secondly, isn’t to good work for God when you help any stranger? Alright, I am done being funny, but really, aren’t we doing good work for God when we take care of all strangers? When we put other’s needs above our own?

I sent a brief letter to the church about this, but Diotrephes, who loves to be the leader, does not acknowledge our authority. 3 John 1:9 (NLT)

Two points here: 1. It has been witnessed by many how power can take over somebody’s personality. It is amazing to me that people who have taken Jesus into their heart can’t get servant leadership. Which leads to: 2. There is only one audience that you have to please. You shouldn’t let anybody stand in your way of pleasing the Lord. Especially those that are commanding your respect.

Dear friend, don’t let this bad example influence you. Follow what is good. Remember that those who do good prove that they are God’s children, and those who do evil prove that they do not know God. 3 John 1:11 (NLT)

It’s easy to get sucked in. Don’t let it. So to sign off with my new favorite closing:

May God’s peace be with you. 3 John 1:15 (NLT)

Never knew that came from anywhere in particular, did you? Now you know. Read on…

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