Hashem

For His name’s sake…3 John 7

God’s name is sacred to Jews. So sacred they rarely use the biblical name of God in conversation or in writing. Instead, they would use other Hebrew words to refer to the name of God. HaShem is one of those words. John wrote his three letters in Greek. Because Greek was the common language of his day. It is possible, John thought in Hebrew. If so, John may have thought: they went forth for the sake of HaShem. Gentiles don’t hold to the same level of esteem for the name of God as do the Jews. Even so, we know in Whom we believe!

John’s respect for the name of God is reflected in his advice to those whom God has sent. First, those God sent were to take nothing with them, verse 7. Instead, they were to rely totally on the provisions of God. Second, they were sent for the sake of the name of God. That is, they wen on behalf of God; His ambassador. They were to preach the gospel in the name of God. They were to expect God to provide. Verse 8: that we may become fellow workers for the truth. Those who support missionaries become fellow workers with them.

Third, we are to support them in a manner worthy of God, verse 6. Everything we do should be to the best of our ability. We are attaching the Name of God to our work. All we do should be done to give glory and honor to the Name of God. 

This means we know who is working in God’s Name and who isn’t. John was aware of Diotrephes who was not serving God worthy of His Name. He was serving himself. On the other hand, Demetrius has a good testimony from all…verse 12. May your reputation represent the Name of God!