WEDNESDAY, December 30 [Frances Joseph Gaudet]

3 John 1-15. But Diotrephes, who likes to put himself first, does not acknowledge our authority.

There's obviously a good story here, but you must read between the lines to find it. The author of this brief letter was an "elder" writing to a Christian colleague who had opened his home to some "friends" (traveling evangelists?) who now propose to move on. Trouble is that where they plan to go, there resides one Diotrephes who "likes to put himself first," refuses to welcome them, and wants to expel them from the church. What's going on here?

It's a power struggle. Perhaps Diotrephes thought these "friends" unqualified to assume leadership roles in the church. Maybe he saw them as doctrinally or morally suspect. So he spoke out against them. But the author of this letter, presumably a recognized authority (the apostle John?), thought otherwise. Hindsight tells us that the biblical author was right, but it wasn't obvious to everyone at the time.

The church today is troubled by similar questions. How do we know whether So-and-so should be ordained? What qualifications do we look for? What would disqualify someone from church leadership? Do we maintain fellowship with people who disagree with us, or do we walk? Who is to say?

PRAY for the Diocese of Zonkwa (Province of Abuja, Nigeria)

Ps 20, 21:1-7(8-14) * 23, 27; 1 Kings 17:17-24; John 4:46-54

View the daily Lectionary Readings at Satucket.com.
Or view the Bible passages at Biblegateway.com.

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Editor, Forward Day by Day

Dec 30, 2009 at 8:28 am

Written by Richard H. Schmidt,

To our online readers: We are working to screen out spammers and unauthorized advertising on this site. I apologize to you for the spam which has appeared here since Christmas Day, including the posting above. We will eliminate this as soon as possible.
As the author of the December meditations, I have enjoyed reading your postings here and replying to your questions and comments. Tomorrow will be my last day as author. The January author has agreed to read your postings as well and to reply to you from time to time. She is an Episcopal missionary who was serving in the Sudan when she wrote her meditations but is now serving in another impoverished mission field. She has insightful and challenging things to say about the scriptures for January. God bless all of you. ==Dick Schmidt

Hmm

Dec 30, 2009 at 8:44 am

Written by Keith,

It's like a metaphor for the Episcopal Church!

The tone of compassion for Diotrephes is refreshing. Its quite possible that he truly thinks he's doing the right thing (in the same way that people slipping off to form their own congregations/denominations do). The next to last sentence is poignant. Everyone on all sides seems to want to take their toys and go home, and we never see each other after we "agree to disagree."

thoughts

Dec 30, 2009 at 10:38 am

Written by BS,

The last paragraph of today’s meditation really strikes me. I have heard and felt I was being called to ministry. It seems the process is so lengthy and sometimes I feel who are others to judge if I am truly called and qualified? I know what I've heard and felt. Then part of me says well, if you’re being called what can stop God's plan for you. Just some thoughts as I sit in my office

...

Dec 30, 2009 at 10:43 am

Written by George ,

Let us remember a simple saying: God bless us all, no exceptions. Differences and noise, yes, but always we are blessed and together in Christ's church.

Thank you.

Dec 30, 2009 at 11:26 am

Written by Dan Chapman,

Father Schmidt,

You should know that the December meditations have been very good for me. I just started reading Forward this year and have really enjoyed them. Thank you also for your comments here. Looking forward to many more years.

Dan Chapman

Editor, Forward Day by Day

Dec 30, 2009 at 12:18 pm

Written by Richard H. Schmidt,

Dear BS,
I identify with what you say about the "discernment process" being long. I'm on the Commission on Ministry in the Diocese of Southern Ohio, which means I'm part of that process. I sometimes wonder what it's designed to do---discourage people? But discerning a call does take time and testing. and it's more than someone feeling called---the church must agree that a call is there, and I guess there's no perfect (fast) way to get to that point. But if you truly feel called to ordained ministry, don't give up too quickly. And if you're ever in Cincinnati, give me a call and we'll talk about all that kind of thing. I've been through it and I've served on the Commission on Ministry in three dioceses. In any case, God bless you.
And thanks, George, Keith, and Dan, for your remarks. God bless you, too.

...

Dec 30, 2009 at 1:18 pm

Written by Dana,

Who's to say? God does. We're commanded to love one another even when we disagree. And in order for love to happen we must continue to remain together in spite of our differences. What we have in common, the love of God and each other, must be stronger than that which can divide us. Every step away from each other is a step away from God.

...

Dec 30, 2009 at 7:56 pm

Written by Elizabeth,

With Diotrephes it's all about power. We are told he is self-centered. God allowed Himself to become powerless coming in human form as a baby, eventually to suffer death on a cross. God gave of himself for His creation. People who have left the church to form new congregations did not do so because they are unloving or desire power. They did it to affirm the authority of the scriptures and historical traditions of the wider body of Christ.

...

Dec 30, 2009 at 10:40 pm

Written by Robert Lebby,

Father Schmidt, thank you for giving us a glimpse of the author for January. I have never been to Sudan, but based on what I've heard and read, I cannot imagine a place that could have more hunger, fear, oppression, fighting, and hell on earth than there. I look forward to hearing what January's author has to say - I'm sure it will be illuminating to say the least.

That said, I have also enjoyed reading your meditations and appreciate the opportunity to have discussions with you and the other readers. I have agreed with most comments, have been driven to consider other points of view by some, and have disagreed with a few. The thing I appreciate is that the majority of commenters say what is on their mind "in love". This is something we (I) don't see very often in many areas of life today, including, apparently, today's reading in 3rd John.

Thank you again for your contribution during this past month and for all you do to keep Forward Day by Day available and constantly improving.

...

Dec 30, 2009 at 11:31 pm

Written by Dana,

We are commanded to love, not judge. When we walk away from each other, are we not choosing God and self rather than God and neighbour? We may disagree but we still must love each other. I think that's the greatest affirmation of scripture and Christ we can give.

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