“Diotrephes, who loves to be first…” (3 John 9). “We love because he first loved us” 1 Jn.4:19). “You have abandoned your first love” (Rev. 2:4).
Lord Jesus, these passages present a most striking contrast, and tell an important story. Diotrephes “loved to be first”—perhaps the first in line in whatever queue was forming, first to choose the best seat, first to demand to be noticed and appreciated. But the Gospel tells a radically different story.
Jesus, you “loved us first”—you chose the lowest place imaginable. You didn’t consider your equality with God something to be held onto for personal gain.. Rather, you emptied yourself as the quintessential Servant—serving us by your life, death, and resurrection (Phil.2:1-11). Now, you ever live to serve us as our Advocate, Intercessor, and King. Even when you return, you will serve us (Luke 12:37; Rev. 7:17). Nothing is more astonishing, beautiful, and transforming.
How then shall we respond? We certainly own the ways, like Diotrephes, we also love to be first—whether it’s in our marriages, in the office, playing golf with friends, sharing insider-gossip, or choosing a bedroom on a group trip. What do we need, and what do we want, Jesus? Gracious Lord, please restore us to our first love for you—our first humility, first joy, first freedom from “me-first-ness.”
Heading into both Thanksgiving and Christmas, grant us a fresh experience of Gospel-renewal—Holy Spirit generated conviction, repentance, and childlike wonder and love for you, Jesus. Thank you, and So Very Amen.