November 30, 2010
Jude
Pastor Sherli Morgan
I chuckled when I saw that I was assigned the devotion on Jude – one chapter, with 25 verses. Why did I giggle? Because I also did the devotional for Philemon – another book with one chapter, 25 verses. Okay, so I’m an odd duck that I was amused by that – let’s move on!
These 25 verses warn us about apostasy, the refusal to accept religious or political beliefs. Apostasy rises up when false teachers emerge, as the truth of God is attacked. As the church, we have to wake up, rise up and fight. Do battle!
Jude reminds us that the danger is real: sin and falsehood can abound within the church. Yet there is good news…great news, in fact! Jude tells us in verses 20-23: “But you, dear friends, carefully build yourselves up in this most holy faith by praying in the Holy Spirit, staying right at the center of God's love, keeping your arms open and outstretched, ready for the mercy of our Master, Jesus Christ. This is the unending life, the real life! Go easy on those who hesitate in the faith. Go after those who take the wrong way. Be tender with sinners, but not soft on sin. The sin itself stinks to high heaven.” (The Message)
The GREAT news is contained in verses 24-25: “Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, And to present you faultless Before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy, To God our Savior, Who alone is wise, Be glory and majesty, Dominion and power, Both now and forever. Amen.” (New King James Version)
The bottom line: be prepared for anything and everything – ready to do battle, KNOWING that when we stay firmly grounded in Him, He will keep us stable, not stumbling and falling. I certainly can’t say it any better than Jude: “To God our Savior, Who alone is wise, Be glory and majesty, Dominion and power, Both now and forever. Amen.”
When asked about her favorite meal, Pastor Sherli described “A big bowl of GOOD vegetable soup and some cornbread!”
