Read the book of Jude today. It is only one chapter long!
Jude is the brother of James, and writes this letter to fellow believers. He identifies these readers with their profile – people who have been called and loved by God, set apart by Jesus for salvation. Jude wishes them mercy, peace and adds love in abundance. This is how we need to view other Christians – and rejoice in the body of Christ, His church!
Jude then writes that he not only wants to share his faith walk with them, but urges them to “contend for the faith” together. The false teachers and prophets among them were infiltrating their churches and they were denying Jesus as God’s Son. Their behavior was also being called into question because of the ungodly way they were acting. They felt above the law and lived for their own selfish desires. We need to be on the alert for those who pervert the gospel to conform to their own agendas, and stay strong in being obedient to what God has called us to do and to be.
We are reminded of several situations in the Old Testament where false teachings and doctrine were prevalent, and Jude wants us to consider the consequences they faced. Judgment, the punishment of eternal fire and a life in darkness was the outcome of rejecting God and His precepts. We see this rejection of God everyday on the news, as people try to usurp authority, heap abuse on believers and follow their selfish desires for power, pleasure and success. God will deal with these unbelievers, and we can trust that He will prevail. In the meantime, we must continue to fight for what we believe in (I love Jude’s word – contend!) and be strong in living out our faith everyday.
There is much said about the deceivers among us, and Jude gives several analogies to help us identify them in our midst. They are like selfish shepherds who only feed themselves. They are like clouds without rain, trees without fruit, wild waves of the sea and wandering stars. A harsh warning against these foes reminds us that God is coming in judgement and will punish these defiant, grumbling, faultfinding, boasting liars with His conviction of their ungodliness. We must not lose heart in this fallen world as we see unrighteousness appear to be taking over. God will win in the end, and He is still Sovereign and in control, even when we don’t see Him working.
Jude gives us some encouragement, and helps us remember that all of this was prophesied, and we should not be surprised. We who have placed our faith and trust in Jesus have the Holy Spirit, and we can be sure that our future is secure. Verses 20-21 sum this up so well! “But you, dear friends, by building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life.” This is how we cope with the present age. Reading God’s Word, praying and spending time with Him will build us up and keep us focused on our calling and purpose for our lives each and every day.
How should we respond and treat these doubters? Jude tells us to have mercy on them, and some might possibly be saved from eternal damnation. To those who continue to reject God, we can be assured that they will get what they deserve.
A wonderful doxology finishes up this short letter, as a prayer. Jude asks God to keep us from stumbling so He can present us without fault and with great joy before His glorious presence. This is the hope to come, as we praise Him for His glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who was and is and is to come! All praise to God today, as He watches over us and is with us in all things.
Overflowing Hope 