Morning Thoughts - by Elder Philip Conley

Morning Thoughts

II John 5, "And now I beseech thee, lady, not as though I wrote a new commandment unto thee, but that which we had from the beginning, that we love one another."

This morning, many think that John was the "Apostle of Love." Indeed, many times John did speak of the importance of love and mercy, but he always coupled it with truth as this letter shows. This letter or epistle is to a church (elect lady) and closes with a greeting from a sister church (elect sister). So, John speaks of things here from the church's standpoint. Throughout this letter, the concepts of love and truth arise over and over. From this affirmation, we can see the necessity of worshipping the Lord in spirit and in truth. Truth with no spirit is cold, complacent religion, and spirit with no truth is unreined zeal and exuberance. The proper coupling gives the glory and honour to God and keeps man in the humble state of acknowledging the need for his Divine Redeemer.

John declares in this verse that he does not bring a new commandment to this church. Indeed, this commandment is very old, since it was drawn by the Ancient of Days. However, it would be improper to assume that since the commandment is not new that it is not relevant today. Indeed, the words of the Holy Scriptures are not new words, but they are most certainly just as relevant today as they were yesterday. They will remain as relevant tomorrow as they are today. They remain so since the One that wrote them never changes.

So, while it should not be the preacher's aim to bring anything "new" before the people of God, he should certainly try to bring something "fresh." The words of Scripture are certainly fresh. When women are trying to select fruits and vegetables, they seek the fresh ones. Not a one of them for a moment would think that they are searching for something that is alive. It is foolish to consider that a fruit or vegetable that has been severed from the root is alive. But, they want to select something fresh (not mouldy or rotten).

Likewise, when we bring the words of Scripture before the lambs and sheep of God's pasture, may it be fresh and vibrant. The words are so, but our explanation of them may not be. This does not give life, but like food for the body, it gives reviving feelings. When the food is laid out on the banqueting table and we can feast together from the Lord's bounty, truly the fresh things of the Lord are cheering to the soul and comforting to the heart. How can one think that this is needed only a few times a year? I need feeding naturally very often, and my spiritual feeding should be no less and certainly more.

In Hope,

Bro Philip