Jude 24-26 “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, to God our Saviour, Who alone is wise, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and forever. Amen
Dear God,
I find it strange how the days of late start, at first grey and glowering and then at around 9 – 10 am, the bright sun bursts through, and then all the cloud goes. It is a little like myself, who does not wake up bright and chirpy, but more in a sluggish ‘grey’ manner, then suddenly energy and life comes, and I can with a sense of ‘lightness’ face the day. I give You praise, for when in the sluggish state, I start my special time with You, in prayer and Bible study, I am filled with pleasure and joy, and it is during this time I am lifted out of my post sleep sluggishness.
I have enjoyed my reading in Jude this morning, who was a step brother of Jesus. It is interesting to note that Satan did not leave the early church fellowship alone, as he does not leave our church fellowships alone, and Jude like the other New Testament writer’s, gave warning about those of dubious character and teachings.
Our defense, has always been from the early church fellowships down to these times, is when each member, individually stays focussed on Jesus and following His teachings alone, with no deviation or addition. Jude strengthens his concerns by reminding the members, that God destroyed the rebellious Egyptians after the Israelite nation came out of Egypt, V 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.” It is worth for we of a church fellowship remembering, that You, God, after giving many chances for change, had no option but to expel the rebellious angels out of heaven. Later people living in the immoral rebellious cities of Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed; after being given many opportunities and warnings to repent and change their ways.
Destruction is never what You want, but in love for all caught up in rebellion and sin, that will take salvation from themselves and others, blatant sinful rebellion cannot be left unchecked. So while Jude warns it best not follow and get ensnared by such people who attach themselves to our congregations, the salvation and welfare of they and all in the fellowship is paramount.
Jesus is our only true example in living for God. I remember the meek and mild Jesus, our Saviour and how He lived when on earth, being ever obedient to His Father’s will; and thus we need to be, V 20, 21 “But you beloved, building your-selves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy spirit, keeping yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.”
I am encouraged that we are never left defenseless or without access to heavenly wisdom in these matters, as pointed out in the opening Bible passage (Jude 24 – 26), and Jesus, will accomplish this within me, as I give myself to Him and allow the Holy Spirit to do His work within and without.
Jesus again today, You are my joy, strength and hope,
Amen