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An Elder Speaks
More From Jude
By Ronald Thompkins
August 31, 2003
In last week's bulletin we focused on warnings from this
brother of James, Jesus' bother.
By way of reflection on last week, we looked back at three Old
Testament characters used by Jude to warn the Church about
slipping into apostasy- Cain ("the way of Cain"), Balaam ("the
error Balaam") and Korah ("the rebellion of Korah").
Continuing at verse 12, Jude now uses these lessons from the
past to make a practical application for the first century
church (as well as us today).
Jude draws on nature to describe the apostasy just mentioned.
He uses the phrase, "these are" to describe the apostates. The
first nature perspective he draws on to describe "these" is
"spots in your love feasts". Love feasts were referred to as
fellowship meals by the church. Jude says "these" (the
apostates) serve only themselves with no fear of disciplinary
action from the church. Second, he refers to "these" as clouds
without water, reflecting on the often great disappointment
that comes from witnessing a cloud roll in anticipation of
rain, and nothing happens. Third, he refers to "these" as
similar to dead trees that not only no longer bear fruit, but
also the roots have died and come up. Fourth, he refers to
"these" that rage great waves and foam up (in verse 16 he made
an analogy to great sounding words, that say nothing), and
finally he refers to "these" as wandering stars reserved for
ever to be in darkness. Can you imagine of all God's creation
a star that does not shine or give light ?. The sum total of
all five of these symbols from God's creations describe:
hindrances, interferences, disappointments, and hypocrisy.
In verse 17, he starts a very stark contrast to the previous
verses and continues a theme very consistent with the earlier
prophets. He now shares God's promises to those who live
faithful. He begins with the very tender and compassionate
phrase, "But you beloved". Note the contrast to "these". He
reminds "the beloved" of their unique status as those who are
called, sanctified, and preserved. He asks "the beloved" to
build on their faith. One trait amongst those who stray is
they do not have faith. Then he asks "the beloved" to pray in
the spirit. Where you find problems in a congregation, what
you will NOT find is a praying church. Next he reminds "the
beloved" of the first commandment, to keep them in the Love
God. (How often we have read from God's word the penalty for
not loving God first, (Revelations 2:4). Fourth, he reminds
"the beloved" to keep looking for the mercy of the Lord until
eternal life. This should be something we as Christians should
never become complacent about or take for granted. This should
be a constant need rooted in the Christian experience. Next,
he reminds the "the beloved" just like God shows mercy on us,
we should show mercy on others. Finally, he reminded the "the
beloved" some souls will have to be saved with fear. The soul
saving continuum never stops- teach, preach, baptize, then
teach, preach again.
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