This morning we will look at the Apostle John's greeting to the elect Lady, the congregation to whom he is writing. In fact, whatever the historical particularity here, in a very real sense this letter is written to our congregation. We are the elect Lady, the chosen Lady of the risen Lord. Indeed, in Greek the words "Lord" and "Lady" are the same word, with the masculine and feminine endings, respectively. The Lady is to be like her Lord; she is being conformed to the image of God's Son, growing up to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ. This letter is part of that process; it is part of how the chosen Lady who is the spotless Bride comes to look more like her Lord. To that end of looking more like Jesus, therefore, we are going to look at the who, what, why, and how of this letter today. We will see who it connects, why it was written, what it brings, and how it brings the love, community, grace, and peace that it carries. The bottom line is that the church always needs to connect with Christ by hearing once again the apostolic message of truth alongside God's promise of grace, mercy, and peace. |
