Jude

Jude 1:24-25 ESV

Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy, to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen.

Jude writes to encourage, even demand, that believers, "contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints." This short, little, one chapter book is a powerful polemic against false teachers and a warning against falling into error. Yet, after warning that not all the Israelis who came out of Egypt were saved, and a reminder that fallen angels and the inhabitants of Sodom and Gomorrah were judged, he ends with words of hope.

Reading through this letter one begins to get the feeling that we are walking through a spiritual mine field ready to be blown up because of false teaching and/or immoral behavior. The danger almost cannot be avoided. It will be a miracle if we get through. Then comes the miracle. He "is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless." Therein lies our hope.

Yes, we need to heed the warnings about false teachers and immorality. Yes, in some ways I suppose we are walking in a spiritual mine field. The good news is that we're not walking alone. We are walking with the one who knows where every mine lies buried. He is able to keep us. He is able to present us faultless. We don't live in hopelessness. We live in hope.

Father, thank you that my eternal destiny rests on your faithfulness rather than mine. Give me eyes to see the dangers, a heart willing to stand for truth, and in the midst of the battle, your peace that passes all understanding, because all glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, belong to you,

By His grace,
Rick Weinert