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We declare to you what was from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we have looked at and touched with our hands, concerning the word of life— this life was revealed, and we have seen it and testify to it, and declare to you the eternal life that was with the Father and was revealed to us— we declare to you what we have seen and heard so that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ. We are writing these things so that our joy may be complete. This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light and in him there is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with him while we are walking in darkness, we lie and do not do what is true; but if we walk in the light as he himself is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he who is faithful and just will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us. My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous; and he is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world. (1 John 1:1-2:2)
Dear Friend, I don't know about you, but I'm still joyful at Easter Sunday and the joy that I saw in my little ones. They were all with us, along with their parents, and they took advantage of the playground the church has for our preschool program. Here is our second youngest, Eliana Beth Garcia, with whom I share a birthday - She's only 60 years younger than me! She's on the see-saw (Teeter-totter) with her younger sister who photo you saw yesterday here on ConCafe. Her joy comes in being with her mom and dad, her brother and sister and with all the family. Add a see-saw and one could say her joy is complete!
The writer of John speaks of the joy in knowing Jesus for who He truly is, does, and will do for us all. As an eyewitness to the crucifixion and the resurrection, he is joyful that he is a part of that. And his joy also comes in sharing that joy with others. As he writes this letter he wants those who read it to believe as he does so that his joy might be doubled (as The Message version has it). His words in this NRSV is "We are writing these things so that our joy may be complete."
John's excitement in this one passage almost needs a checklist of the things that are making him joyful: 1) He's an eyewitness to the most critical event in human history. 2) Eternal life has been revealed to him and should be to you as well. 3) He knows that God is light and offers light to those still walking in darkness. 4) We have received forgiveness of our sins and that has brought us into fellowship with Jesus; but if we say we are in fellowship and still walk in darkness, we're still lost and living a lie. 5) If we say we have no sin, we are guilty of deceiving ourselves. 6) If we confess our sin to God, God will faithfully forgive us our sin AND cleanse us from unrighteousness. 7) If we say we have not sinned, we're making God a liar. 8) His word exhorts us to not sin. 9) If we do sin, we have the greatest advocate the world has ever seen, Jesus Christ.
I believe that completes our joy. The gospel message in this short passage; powerful and to the point. It is one we should share with those who might listen to us.
PRAYER: Loving God, make my joy complete in knowing the fullness of Your love, compassion, and power. Help me to boldly and joyfully to share Your truth with all who are in need. I cannot do it alone, I need You. And this I pray in Christ Jesus' precious and powerful name, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!
Eradio Valverde
PRAYER REQUEST: The Rev. Michael Dobbs is set to undergo yet another surgery in San Antonio this morning at 7:30. Please hold Mike and Olga in your prayers. Thank you!
