Jump Start # 1328

3 John 13-14 “I had many things to write to you, but I am not willing to write them to you with pen and ink; but I hope to see you shortly, and we will speak face to face.”

  There are many great lessons in the short 3 John. Often the thrust of the book sounds the trouble with Diotrephes and most of the rest of the book is ignored. We can do that with many sections of the Bible. There are hidden lessons, wonderful applications and delightful truths to be learned if we dig a bit, put some elbow grease into it and look beyond the obvious.

Our verse today is one such gem. There are three lessons from this simple verse.

First, not everything the apostles taught is recorded. John had more things to tell them. He did not write them down. It was to be a face to face lesson. What was it? What was so important that he had to tell them face to face? We can guess all day long and never really know. What we have is enough to build a faith, keep us strong and lead us to Heaven. We must not anguish ourselves trying to figure out what is not revealed. Speculations do not build faith. We must trust God and understand that some things were not left to us.

Second, the study of inspiration is deeper than we often realize and understand. Our passage today sounds as if John was controlling the situation. He had more thoughts but he was not going to write them down. He was going to come and tell them face to face. Where does God fit into all of this? The thoughts seem to be straight from John, not inspired by God. We know that all Scriptures is inspired by God, but passages like this, remind us that God mingled His will with the thoughts of the writers and they were more than divine secretaries that took dictation from God. The wishes, plans and hopes of the writers come out in these letters. Feelings are expressed. This is much more than lifeless orders from Heaven. We see the passion and energy of the writers. We feel what they felt. Inspiration isn’t as easy and obvious as we often teach it. Many subjects can be so simplified that we do an injustice to the topic. This is true for inspiration. It’s also true on the subject of the trinity, the Holy Spirit, spiritual gifts and other topics. We must lower the nets often in our studies and not settle for the quick and easy answer to all questions.

Third, some things are best said face to face. That’s the point John is making here. That’s a great lesson for us, especially in this age of fast communication. I heard of an attorney that was sending communications about divorce on Facebook. Apparently, the husband took off and the wife, filing for divorce, didn’t know where he was. I guess that was the only avenue they had to communicate. Somethings should not be said in text messages, facebook posts or emails. Some things are best said face to face. It’s harder and takes more effort and much more courage to say something face to face. When face to face, the person can say something back. The person’s facial expressions, tone of voice, and body language are all apparent. They respond instantly when face to face. Church discipline works much better face to face than a cold letter sitting in a mailbox. It’s harder face to face, but the love and concern for a soul going the wrong direction can be expressed better. Options can be put on the table. The concerned hear the reasons why one has stopped walking with the Lord. Face to face.

We can be bold and fearless behind the screen of a tablet or computer. We may say and post things that we’d never say face to face. Maybe some of the things stated should not be.

Here is Roger’s short list of things that ought not to be posted or texted. Now this is not Gospel, it’s Mr. Roger’s thoughts. It fits with the theme of this passage.

• Breaking up with someone should not be done by txt or facebook
• Firing someone or quitting a job should not be done by txt for facebook
• Scolding a child should not be done by txt or facebook
• Reproving someone should not be done by txt or facebook
• Complaining about work, church or your marriage should not be done on facebook
• Rebuking an elder should not be done by txt or facebook
• Apologies should not be done by txt for facebook

Our texting and facebook has made face to face conversations difficult and even rare. Notice the next time you are out to eat. A table of mom, dad and two kids, and everyone of them will be txting someone. I find myself doing this far more than I like. It’s easy. It’s quick. It’s painless. But some things just need to be done face to face.

Fellowship isn’t the same through messages. There is something about hugs, smiles, handshakes and being around each other. Our three grandchildren live a few hours from us. We skype them often. It’s not the same thing as being there. It’s good. Grandma loves it, but it’s missing the hugs, the touches, the presence.

Face to face Bible studies are the best. You see the light bulbs coming on in their minds. You see their hearts turning toward Jesus. You are there.

Where I preach, we now send out live video streams of our services. The reaction has been amazing. The greatest thing people say is you see facial expressions and body language that you don’t have in just listening to the audio stream. It’s about as close to face to face one can get without actually being there.

Face to face. John had things to tell them. He’d only do it face to face. How about you? Do you have some things that need to be told to others? It’s easy just to send a text, but it might be better to say it face to face. Give that some thought.

I think about Revelation 22:4, where it states, “we will see His face.” No image. No facebook post. No text. In the presence of God. Nothing beats presence. That’s why going to the funeral home is important. Sitting in the audience of a wedding is important. Hanging around to watch a baptism is important. Holding hands, giving hugs, smiling, walking out together—all of those can only be done face to face.

Maybe today you’ll text less and face to face more. Give it a try, especially with your kids. It’ll be a new experience for some of them. Learning how to communicate is a valuable lesson that will help them all of their lives.

Face to face…

Roger