09/04/2022
As we read the book of Jude we are reminded of what will occur within the world, and the Church, in the final days. We are told about fallen angels, and the presence of false teachers. Further, we are reminded of what awaits them when our Lord Jesus Christ returns to judge. But in Jude there is hope, and encouragement for all those who come to, or continue to follow, our Lord Jesus. Today we see the scoffers in the world, and we feel the heat of an approaching fire… but we are also assured of the glorious eternity that awaits those who remain firm in their faith, and glorify God, and our Lord Jesus.
“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 1:24-25 ESV
The time before the coming judgement grows shorter with each passing day. The arrival of Jesus as we await His second coming grows eminently near, and this is comforting, but there is much to do before the trumpet sounds. Like the gathering of a late autumn harvest, we must rush to bring the remaining bounty to the storehouse before the killing frost, that is, to reap the souls in whom there is yet promise. We are told to divide those who have ripened late from those who have not, and to do so mercifully.
“And have mercy on those who doubt; save others by snatching them out of the fire; to others show mercy with fear, hating even the garment stained by the flesh.”
Jude 1:22-23 ESV
Though no one knows the day nor the hour when our Lord Jesus will return, this is our time to acknowledge what is occurring about us, and to gather souls from the fields. Now is the time to deliver the good news to all who remain willing to hear it, and to do so with renewed intensity, and a sense of urgency. We know our adversary, and we know his minions who will oppose us, they are the ungodly, the scoffers, and the devoid of spirit, but there are some souls who remain attached to the vine and are still ripening there.
“They said to you, “In the last time there will be scoffers, following their own ungodly passions.” It is these who cause divisions, worldly people, devoid of the Spirit.”
Jude 1:18-19 ESV
In this short book Jude encourages us, gives us our instructions for the harvest, and teaches us how to maintain ourselves through prayer, the Holy Spirit, our living God, and by waiting faithfully on the merciful Jesus Christ to lead us to our reward… an eternal life with God our Father.
“But you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life.”
Jude 1:20-21 ESV
Are we the workers who will go into the field today, or perhaps one of those souls that is ripening and is awaiting the harvest? Heaven forbid that we might be one of the scoffers, doubters, unbelievers, or one of those who claims to follow Jesus, but is devoid of spirit, and works at odds with God’s Word and Jesus… one of those who will be lost. Whoever we happen to be, I pray that we hear the warnings issued by Jude, and adhere to the Word of faith that saves, and rewards us.
Prayer:
Father, thank you for your Son Jesus who redeems us, and for those like Jude who continue to encourage us in our faith, and warn us of the consequences that await should we stray away from, or deny, your true Word, and the gospel of Jesus. Thank you for your mercy that extends to the final moment when the trumpet will sound, and Jesus comes to call us to judgement. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you our God who was, and is, and is to come! Great are you, and perfect is your wisdom, and judgement. Praised be your name for your love, and grace, that have saved us from sin, and spared us from death. Merciful are you Lord, and compassionate are you who asks us to be merciful, even as you are. You wash us in the blood of your Son Jesus, and thus cleanse us of our sins. Help us to remain pure and righteous all the days of our lives, even until the final day of our judgement. Shower us with your grace, and see only the image of Jesus when you announce our worthiness. Seat us before you for all eternity, and call us your friends, and children. On that joyous day, and forevermore we will worship you with the heavenly host, and cry out for all creation to hear… Holy, Holy, Holy, are you our God!
Rich Forbes