The last of the Ones

3 John – Loves to be First

Jude – Snatch Others From The Fire

Revelations 1 – To Show His Servants What Must Take Place

I tried another topic, but my head was too far removed from details to complete it. I have been watching the stock market, or at least the parts that most affect me, lately. The last week has seen huge drops in values for a few companies, and significant moves in all directions for many companies based on the day or time of day. It all seems counter to the idea we are to believe the markets know what they are doing.

In his third letter, John points out a characteristic of a particular individual and says “He loves to be first.” and does not mean it in a nice way of wanting to succeed. There are people who do everything they can to be well thought of or seem more important. These people are the opposite of humble. There is a part of the world in which this behavior is rewarded, but in this manner, we are not to be of the world. We are not to have church leaders who put themselves before the people they are leading. Servant leaders and servant leadership is what God calls His leaders to be.

Snatch others from the fire. My mental image shows this to use a visual representation of hell by the fire reference. Many, many sources focus on this fiery aspect of hell. I do like the image of a fire fighter coming to save us from the fire and to look at our work with non-believers to be that important. When we really understand the depths of eternity and the horrors of hell, then we should be more driven to help others, especially our loved ones to escape this outcome.

Prophecy. Some people dig too deep. Some people ignore it all. But, God had a purpose in giving it to the Jews and He has a purpose in John giving this new knowledge to Christians. I know God hides His meanings from unbelievers, but I have faith that God provides believers with a mechanism to use the knowledge available in a practical way to impact our service to Him, and I believe we need to spend time in all parts of His word.

I have enjoyed this quick journey through the Bible. As a balance to my verse by verse study of Job and my daily reading of a chapter a day, I feel more equipped to pull it all together as I study. I know that no matter how short or how seemingly convoluted, it is all the Word of God and draws us nearer to Him and nearer to maturity. A mature disciple. Not sure how much time of a day needs to be spent on stocks, but I am sure it is less than needs to be spent on reading the Bible.