The Daily Office for February 15, 2012
Scriptures
Psalm 101
Genesis 31:15-50
1 John 2:12-17
John 10:1-18
Reading (1_John 2:12-17)
Reflection
As today's Epistle reading opens John is not, of course, writing to literal children, young men, or fathers. These are metaphors that refer to the various levels of spiritual maturity among his readers. In one sense, all the believers are like children to him. In another sense, John can include himself with them as children of God. In still another sense, as in this passage, some of the believers are less mature (having just recently been converted) than others who may have been saved from the beginning and are like fathers in the faith to them. The metaphorical use of age for maturity is not at all unusual in the New Testament.
In verses 15 through 17 he stresses that believers are not to love the world or the things that are in the world. This prohibition can literally be translated, “Don’t continue your love for the world”; meaning after you have been saved. A mature faith is a faith that produces fruit and that strives for the rewards to come in heaven, not the passing fancies of this world. Turn to Him daily so that your faith may grow and you will not be divided by what your eyes sees and your heart knows is of true worth.
Collect for the Day
Almighty God, you have created the heavens and the earth and made us in your own image: teach us to discern your hand in all your works and your likeness in all your children; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit reigns supreme over all things, now and for ever. Amen.