January 7, 2022
My Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, I greet and bless you in the name of our Creator, Maker, and Ever Unforgettable Lord Jesus Christ. The Blessed word that the Lord has given for you today is from the book of 3 John 1:2, “Beloved, I pray that in all respects you may prosper and be in good health, just as your soul prospers.”
My Dear Brothers And Sisters, From the above context we understand, that John the beloved disciple of the Lord Jesus, addressed this little letter, to Gaius, an elder. We also understand that this elderly gentleman was brought to faith in Christ, through the ministry of John, himself for the apostle writes; I have no greater joy than this –“ to hear of my children walking in the truth.” John the disciple, expresses his love and respect for this man, for it appears that his whole life was dedicated to the Lord, and Gaius must have been a wonderful testimony of a godly man, who walked in grace and love, for we read that his “soul prospered”. The life of Gaius appears to be that of a mature man of God, who reflected the character of Christ. We discover that this man’s spiritual life was fruitful, his soul was flourishing. He was working the works of God in his life through the power of the Holy Spirit. He was carrying out the work that God had prepared for him to do, with a Christian maturity, that made John to say may “your soul prosper. ” We also learn from the letter of Apostle John, that Gaius had a physical disability or some health problems, That Is why John says, “Beloved, I pray that in all respects you may prosper and be in good health – just as your soul prospers. John’s prayer, was that the physical health of this beloved saint might ‘prosper’, in the same way that his spiritual health was prospering.
My Dear Brothers And Sisters, How can a soul be prosperous ? A soul must be in right fellowship with the Lord. Obeys the principles of God, and The soul that has a good understanding of the Word is a prosperous soul. The Bible says. “This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.” I wish above all things that, all those of you who are reading this message may prosper, or succeed in all your affairs, in the business life, in education field, In your family life, and may the blessing of God, make you rich,as this is my desire and prayer for you. Having good Health is wealth. Without health it is impossible to be successful in life. And this is the most desirable mercy of God, for without good health, there can be no comfortable enjoyment of life. That is why John says, “Beloved, I pray that in all respects you may prosper and be in good health – just as your soul prospers.
Dear Brothers And Sisters, Are you walking in the ways of God like Gaius. He proved to be a mature man of God. He reflected the character of Christ. Do you reflect the character of Christ ? Are you involved in sinful activities. Do you smoke and keep drinking all the time ? Are you just wasting your time and not taking up a job? Have you become a burden to your parents? Instead of supporting them, you have been hurting their feelings. You are not making an attempt to correct yourself. God is watching your activities. Then how can He heal your sickness or give you a good job or settle you in your life. It would be good if you seek to be more like the beloved Gaius, who walked in spirit, truth and love, and was faithful in whatsoever good works he undertook, in spite of his health problems. May we behave like him, no matter what physical problems we may encounter, for although this dearly beloved elder had an obvious disability, he was a worthy example of godly saint, who lived a life that was pleasing to the Lord, and for His greater praise and glory? God Bless you.
Prayer: Our loving heavenly Father, we thank you for this blessed day. Dear Lord, thank You for the exemplary life of Gaius, and the many things that we can learn from the lives of other godly men and women, You place in our path. Thank You for the privilege of prayer.. so that we may approach Your throne of grace for help in time of sickness and need. We lift up all our brothers and sisters in Christ, body, soul and spirit – praying each would grow in grace, in all they say and do, and come to a deeper knowledge of the Lord Jesus – for Your greater praise and glory.
Jesus Name We Pray.
Amen
