Having been blessed by the presence of Jesus since birth, Jude, a biological brother of the Lord answered his calling through this epistle meant to encourage and empower God’s saints.
Judah, the Hebrew name of the author of this letter started his exhortation by calling on believers to contend for the truth, and for the church. He also warned of apostates within the body, false teachers who had infiltrated the church, calling on those in Christ to expose such hypocrites.
In the conclusion of his letter, Judah focuses on an outpouring of brotherly love toward disciples in need.
“20 But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, 21 keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.” (Jude 1:20-21)
Here, Judah addresses believers whom, for their faith in the risen Christ are loved by God and himself, that we should continue to hold steadfast as each one among the body strives to follow in Yeshua’s footsteps.
Through prayer, worship and dwelling in the gospel, believers are empowered to fulfill our God given mission. Judah calls on those in Christ to continue our walk down the narrow path which leads to the gates of Heaven, where the mighty judge awaits, holding the keys that unlock the door to eternal life.
“22 And on some have compassion, making a distinction; 23 but others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire, hating even the garment defiled by the flesh.” (Jude 1:22-23)
Just as the human body contains many parts that fulfill various roles, the church also is made up of different beings, blessed with a variety of spiritual needs. Judah calls on saints to use discernment when encouraging each other, gentleness with some, and even drastic measures with those swallowed up in sin.
Using the Greek word “phobos” which translates in “exceeding terror,” when rebuking or provoking habitual sinners, Judah reminds us we should fearfully hate the sin itself which he describes as “fire.”
“24 Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, And to present you faultless Before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy, 25 To God our Savior, Who alone is wise, Be glory and majesty, Dominion and power, Both now and forever. Amen.” (Jude 1:24-25)
Judah calls on the Lord, the only perfectly reliable source of strength and wisdom to empower believers to bring glory to the Father, almighty God, as each one of us strives to follow in Christ’s footsteps along the narrow path leading to eternal life.
The prophet Jude, Judah the brother of Yeshua answered his calling by writing this letter. Through his pen, believers are in turn commanded to arm ourselves with the breastplate of salvation and the sword of the Lord, which is the gospel, and set out to fulfill our mission battling apostates within the church, pointing out their error and warning of God’s judgment upon them.
Also, God’s army is called to provoke each soldier in love, using discernment and wisdom, for His glory. Let’s pray!
Father God;
We thank you for your blessings in our lives and for your servant Jude,
We praise you Lord for his wisdom and for his works through this scripture,
We ask you Lord to inspire us to use these verses in our lives
As we grow in you through the teachings of your faithful apostle.
Lord we ask you to strengthen us each day as we endure through battles,
Allow us to praise and love each other through faith in you Jesus,
Shield us from evil through truth, the gospel, salvation and prayer,
Guide us to abide by your word as we spread your gospel to one and all
Becoming examples of faith through our character as we walk the narrow path.
God we pray that you will continue to bless us, to bless our lives and fill us with hope
We ask you Lord to guide our footsteps and lead us to the way everlasting,
Through faith in you Lord we seek salvation and a place with you in heaven
According to your word, your everlasting wisdom and strength.
May your will be done
In our lives, for your life.
We thank you for your love and all you bless us with each day.
Praise God,
Amen!
This message was written by Daniel St.Pierre
Email: danielstpierre@thrivethroughchrist.com
