Jude

All Glory to God

Jude is one of those books in the Bible that, while short in length, contains a plethora of spiritual material. He starts his epistle exhorting those "who are sanctified by God" (1) to "earnestly contend for the faith that was once delivered to the saints."(3).  Jude, like the other writers, was concerned about false teachers coming among the laity perverting the pure Gospel of Christ.  He also was concerned about laxity and lack of fervor for the things of God.

The major portion of the epistle is concerned with false teachers. These are those who go "in the way of Cain" and run "greedily after the error of Balaam" and "perish in the gainsaying of Korah." (11).  Cain slew Abel for envy.  Balaam attempted to sell out Israel for money.  Korah denied the God given authority of Moses.  All of these are hallmarks of false teachers.  The metaphors employed by Jude are telling, "shameless shepherds," "clouds without rain," "dead trees," "wild sea waves," and "wandering stars in darkness." (12-13).

For the believer, Jude gives the following directions  (20-22):
1. Build each other up in faith.
2. Pray in the Spirit.
3. Wait for the mercy of the Lord.
4. Show mercy to others.
5. Rescue others from judgment.

May the Lord bless you.