Letter Writing
by Dr. Grant Scarborough
Letter writing. Well that’s a crazy thought. What about tweeting!? Or maybe just emailing? Maybe a little TikTok messaging?
I know, I know. It’s old school. But sometimes old school is cool. Remember record players? They made a short and unnecessary return. My daughter played hers for at least two weeks. We even got her the Michael Jackson Thriller vinyl. I digress.
Letter writing. Not a long letter – just a little note. Put it in an envelope and mail it off with a stamp. I just read 2 John and 3 John. One is 13 verses and the other is 15 verses. Both end very similarly. This makes me laugh and it makes my heart happy.
“Though I have much to write to you, I would rather not use paper and ink. Instead I hope to come to you and talk face to face, so that our joy may be complete.”
After eleven verses, John says, “man I am exhausted – I don’t want to write anymore – so, I’m putting my paper and pen down and hope to see you soon.”
2 John was a short note. It was written to the elect lady and her children. The note had a basic theme: love one another. Then John mails it out.
3 John was to Gaius and ends almost the same way. “I had much to write you, but I would rather not write with pen and ink.” This is not a microphone drop. It is a pen drop. Letter over. Again his message was short – hospitality to others.
It is interesting to note that 2 John is the shortest book in the Bible by verses and 3 John is the shortest by word count. John, the beloved disciple of Jesus, wrote the two shortest books of the Bible to friends of his who at that time he could not see.
Do you think Gaius looked at that letter and said – “What? That lazy old man! He only wrote me a few words!” Or do you think he went running around the house showing everyone what John said. “Look everybody. Look what John wrote – He wants us to be kind and hospitable to others! Let’s do it! And he cannot see us right now, but he wants to! John loves us!”
Maybe during this time when we cannot see people that we really want to see, we write them a letter. Just a short letter and tell them something simple like I love you or be strong and courageous, or don’t lose hope, or do not be afraid, or love one another. Then say, I had more to write, but I am saving it for the time we can sit down once again at a coffee house and be face to face.
Imagine, all of us waiting for the mailman to show up and celebrating the few words you sent me and I sent you. I promise if you send me a letter I will read it to everybody and celebrate your kindness in thinking of me! By the way, I need a little encouragement right now and I am sure you do as well.
I actually had a lot more to tell you about this, but I am putting down my keyboard until I can see you again.