Thurs., 5/28/15 Devotion (3 Jn. 2)

Today's encouragement comes from 3 John, v. 2, where we read these words:

"Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers."

I like this little verse (above). It reminds us Christians that God is concerned about *all* facets of our being, (and not just one or two of them). The soul is the most important part of any person—by far—and it is to get first attention; but, after it is thriving, God would have every other part of His child prosper, too. (Those with healthy souls will be diligent to preserve the body’s health, too.)

Does this mean that sick believers are under God's displeasure? Not at all. We cannot know the Lord's providences for His children; but we can know this: that *we* ought to desire, and pray for health at every level--so that the church and the gospel will spread and grow all over the earth.

[Puritan quote of the day: "Have you forgotten the years of the right hand [viz. the extreme blessings] of the Most High? —William Bridge, in, "A Lifting Up for the Downcast"]