In humility and driven by the Holy Spirit, Jude (or Judah in Hebrew) was the biological brother of Yeshua, the Christ, yet chose to identify himself as only related to James.
Judah’s letter was written as a warning and exhortation to all believers. Serving as a reminder as well an edification, this epistle is known for its encouraging benediction.
“5 But I want to remind you, though you once knew this, that the Lord, having saved the people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed those who did not believe.” (Jude 1:5)
Judah felt the need to remind his readers of God’s judgment and wrath upon those who trespass Him, using the Jews’ destruction as an example of Yahweh’s great fury against His own chosen people.
While God’s wrath is the highlight of this passage, it is important to remember our Lord’s judgment is not based on His love for us, since this love is unconditional, rather His wrath is in perfect harmony for our love for Him. It is up to each believer to either please God, or not.
“6 And the angels who did not keep their proper domain, but left their own abode, He has reserved in everlasting chains under darkness for the judgment of the great day; 7 as Sodom and Gomorrah, and the cities around them in a similar manner to these, having given themselves over to sexual immorality and gone after strange flesh, are set forth as an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire.” (Jude 1:6-7)
Jude makes reference to other judgments placed upon God’s beloved creation. First, he mentions Yahweh’s angels which chose to serve Satan over the divine creator. Their fate, as described in scripture has these angels cast out in darkness as each one awaits the judgment placed on Lucifer, their fallen leader.
Another example used by Judah involving God’s wrath upon sinners are Sodom and Gomorrah, which were lasciviously destroyed by the mighty and revengeful hand of Yahweh.
“8 Likewise also these dreamers defile the flesh, reject authority, and speak evil of dignitaries.” (Jude 1:8)
Jude felt compelled to also mention the wicked among the flock, those wolves cursed with selfish ambition who defy their temple, transgress God’s ways or reject the truth.
“9 Yet Michael the archangel, in contending with the devil, when he disputed about the body of Moses, dared not bring against him a reviling accusation, but said, “The Lord rebuke you!” (Jude 1:9)
In contrast with the dreamers above, Michael, the highest ranking “head” angel of God spoke in the Lord’s name, calling on Yahweh to deal with Satan’s fate rather than place his own judgment on the fallen angel.
“10 But these speak evil of whatever they do not know; and whatever they know naturally, like brute beasts, in these things they corrupt themselves. 11 Woe to them! For they have gone in the way of Cain, have run greedily in the error of Balaam for profit, and perished in the rebellion of Korah.” (Jude 1:10-11)
Judah calls “brutal” the vipers that cast their own judgment upon men, as each one corrupts himself or herself before the Lord, and calls on the divine judge to pour out His wrath on their lives, their children and their land.
To remind us of Yahweh’s immense crushing power, Judah closes this section of his letter by using examples of pride and self-righteousness in Cain, greed in Balaam and rebellion in the Levite Korah who resented God’s chosen, anointed messengers in Moses and Aaron. 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 servant.
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, 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
