the lady

I read something in 2 John this morning that both warmed and inspired me. Here it is, from 2 John 1:1-3: “The elder, 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 — because of the truth, which lives in us and will be with us forever: Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and from Jesus Christ, the Father’s Son, will be with us in truth and love.”

“The lady chosen by God” is a reference to the church. That makes me a child of the lady. I love the connotations here. “Lady” suggests decorum, gentility, good manners and propriety. And John addresses her with respect and love. As a child of the lady, I’m warmed by this reminder of a more traditional time of respectful relationships and basic good manners.

But I’m also inspired by the lady. I’m reminded that the church, as the Bride of Christ, has a high standard to live up to. We’re to be the opposite of what we see in our world; we’re counter-cultural. And when we are, we’re the antidote for all the world’s evil, and the anti-virus that inoculates all believers against it.

The church of Jesus Christ was established in his ministry on earth. It’s one of his most significant gifts to the world, and critical to me. And it’s another reason that Christmas is a big deal.