So, last week Judes letter started to get a bit more interesting, a bit more confronting. We now know why he is writing this letter - his concern for their salvation given their current situation. Judes letter, although written almost two thousand years ago, is relevant to us today. We are not informed of his specific audience from the letter and so all we know is that is written to a group of christians to address a particular issue which has arisen. This same issue is seen in our society and amongst our churches - just look at all the different denominations. Jude could easily have been writing this letter with us in mind looking at it now. Look at it, as such.
Jude, having told us now what to look out for, tells us more of how to recognise these people amongst our number. And not only this, but shows how what they are doing is contrary to what God has said.
Likewise also these dreamers defile the flesh, reject authority, and speak evil of dignitaries. 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!" But these speak evil of whatever they do not know; and whatever they know naturally, like brute beasts, in these things they corrupt themselves. 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 8-11
Even Michael where he had reason to do these things, did not, but instead said, "The Lord rebuke you!". This is the kind of response which we need to have, even when we see that we have reason to. Know that it is not our place to do such things, but it is for the Lord to do. If we follow in these ways we are following in the ways of Cain (who murdered his brother for pleasing God more - and was sent away), brute beasts (who know only how to satisfy the physical - they are not in the image of God), Balaam (who cursed 'Israel' to better things for himself - and he was left worse and curses became good for 'Israel'), and Korah (who rebels against what God has said to Israel through Moses - and all are swallowed up and perish in fire). All of these things are the result of jealousy, greed, and pride.
Jude continues by giving some images to help us see just what it is that they are. Open your eyes, he says, and see what it is that they are doing... nothing of benefit to anyone - not even themselves in the long run.
Jude continues by giving some images to help us see just what it is that they are. Open your eyes, he says, and see what it is that they are doing... nothing of benefit to anyone - not even themselves in the long run.
These are spots in your love feasts, while they feast with you without fear, serving only themselves. They are clouds without water, carried about by the winds; late autumn trees without fruit, twice dead, pulled up by the roots; raging waves of the sea, foaming up their own shame; wandering stars for whom is reserved the blackness of darkness forever. - Jude 12-13
Love feasts where reguarly held with the Lords supper in the early church. These are a time to 'feed the flock' but instead at these times they serve only themselves!
What is the point of such clouds which have no water in them, and are moved so easily by the winds so as not to provide shade.
Trees which are twice dead - without fruit (autumn) and pulled up by the roots - have failed at what you are here for - useless.
Raging waves of the sea - they look big and make lots of noise, but what do they leave? - nothing but some scum and rubbish on the shore.
And wandering stars... stars are there to guide, what use are they if they continually wander or move? The blackness of darkness is reserved for them - not only in the sky but this is also talking of that eternal separation from God, for God is light, so to be in the blackness of darkness forever... is terrible!
Take heed to Jude's words. They are not just his own but inspired by God. Let us learn from them and learn how to distinguish these people from amongst us. Have a go at answering the question below, it's a good one to get you thinking for next week.
Question: What might this jealousy, greed, and pride look like today? Jealousy, greed, and pride of what?
Coming Up: Jude, Part 4
God Bless
What is the point of such clouds which have no water in them, and are moved so easily by the winds so as not to provide shade.
Trees which are twice dead - without fruit (autumn) and pulled up by the roots - have failed at what you are here for - useless.
Raging waves of the sea - they look big and make lots of noise, but what do they leave? - nothing but some scum and rubbish on the shore.
And wandering stars... stars are there to guide, what use are they if they continually wander or move? The blackness of darkness is reserved for them - not only in the sky but this is also talking of that eternal separation from God, for God is light, so to be in the blackness of darkness forever... is terrible!
Take heed to Jude's words. They are not just his own but inspired by God. Let us learn from them and learn how to distinguish these people from amongst us. Have a go at answering the question below, it's a good one to get you thinking for next week.
Question: What might this jealousy, greed, and pride look like today? Jealousy, greed, and pride of what?
Coming Up: Jude, Part 4
God Bless
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