One of the great joys I have experienced as a Pastor is when you see the next generation carrying on and becoming leaders of the faith.  You long to see them hold the course and continue to be faithful in ministry and help grow the future church.  That is exactly John’s heart as he writes the book of II John.  He writes to the “dear lady” which refers not to an individual but rather a church congregation.  Let’s look at his words together today.

To the lady chosen by God and to her children, whom I love in the truth—and not I only, but also all who know the truth— 2 because of the truth, which lives in us and will be with us forever:  3 Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and from Jesus Christ, the Father’s Son, will be with us in truth and love.  It has given me great joy to find some of your children walking in the truth, just as the Father commanded us. 5 And now, dear lady, I am not writing you a new command but one we have had from the beginning. I ask that we love one another. 6 And this is love: that we walk in obedience to his commands. As you have heard from the beginning, his command is that you walk in love. 7 I say this because many deceivers, who do not acknowledge Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh, have gone out into the world. Any such person is the deceiver and the antichrist. 8 Watch out that you do not lose what we have worked for, but that you may be rewarded fully. 9 Anyone who runs ahead and does not continue in the teaching of Christ does not have God; whoever continues in the teaching has both the Father and the Son. 10 If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not take them into your house or welcome them.

John writes this as both an encouragement and a challenge.  He is excited that some of the next generation have picked up the mantle of faith and are carrying on the love of Jesus to future generations.  John also warns the church about deceivers and deceptive ideas coming along and leading them astray.  This book is a good reminder to all of us of the importance of investing in the next generation.  The future of the faith literally depends upon it.  May we as a church and as individuals look for ways to invest in the future generations of followers of Jesus.