Now And Forevermore! Amen

Jude is often considered the most negative writer/letter in the New Testament. While much of what he writes is in a negative tone, I think he is getting a bad rap. After all, doesn’t Jude make it clear from the outset he feels compelled to urge them to contend for the faith but would much rather be writing about “the salvation we share” (vs. 3)? And make no mistake, the problems Jude saw were real and they were serious. They were not personality conflicts, differences over methods, or squabbles over “disputable matters.” “Godless men” (tell us what you really think, Jude!) had changed God’s grace into a license for immorality. What’s more, they “deny Jesus Christ our only Sovereign and Lord” (vs. 4). “The called” needed to fight immorality and denial.

To get their full attention, Jude uses strong language and graphic images to remind them of familiar teaching. Remember those unbelievers who escaped Egypt only to be destroyed in the desert (vs. 5; Numbers 14:29)? Even angels who sin are reserved for judgment (vs. 6; 2 Peter 2:4). Sodom and Gomorrah are an example of what can happen to you (vs. 7; Genesis 19:24). In case they missed the point, he compares these godless men to “the way of Cain,” “Balaam’s error,” and “Korah’s rebellion” (vs. 12; Genesis 4:3-4, Numbers 22-24, and Numbers 16:1-3).

For those really slow learners, Jude uses six more metaphors – at least one of which is bound to connect with every reader (vss. 12, 13). They are “blemishes” at the love feasts (is he suggesting they are bringing their carousing to church fellowship meals?). They are “shepherds” who feed only themselves. They are “clouds without rain” (my personal favorite – who hasn’t at one time or another looked at a cloud and said, “why won’t you rain?”). They are “twice dead” autumn trees. They are “wild waves.” They are “wandering stars.” Here’s a good summary statement: “These men are grumblers and faultfinders; they follow their own evil desires; they boast about themselves and flatter others for their own advantage” (vs. 16). Get the point?

Jude follows all these reminders and word pictures with some very positive and practical advice, a “how to” contend for the faith, if you will. First, don’t be surprised when problems arise. If we are not careful, we can become disillusioned when problems arise in the church. Jude remembers the apostles foretelling the damage to be done by unspiritual, divisive men (vss. 17-19). What congregation in scripture did not have problems? Jude says not to be surprised and scattered when problems arise, but to dig in and face them head-on.

Second, pray in the Holy Spirit and be built up in the faith. Don’t neglect your own spiritual health because of attitudes you see in others or because of the immoral behavior of others. Focus on God’s love. Focus on the mercy of Jesus Christ. Focus on eternal life (vss. 20-21).

Third, reach out to others with love. Some will respond with doubt. Don’t give up on them. Be merciful. Others need to be “snatched from the fire.” Even those who have “stained clothing” need to be shown mercy (vss. 22,23). In our words, “love the sinner, hate the sin.”

Again, I say Jude gets a bad rap as “Mr. Negativity.” Don’t forget, he somewhat reluctantly addresses problems after stating his preference to focus on salvation. And look at the positive solutions he suggests. On top of that, look at the positive words he writes about God and our relationship with Him.

“To those who have been called, who are loved by God the Father and kept by Jesus Christ: Mercy, peace and love be yours in abundance” Jude 1b-2.

 “To him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy – to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen” Jude 24-25.

Real problems sometimes arise. When they do, they must be dealt with rather than ignored. But let’s take a lesson from Jude. May our first love be the joy of our salvation, not some new controversy. And when problems arise and must be dealt with, may our first and last thoughts be of the glory of our God – who He is and how He relates to us.

— Bob Clark

11/25/2003