Day 316 – Jude – All about Jude
“Dear friends, I had been eagerly planning to write to you about the salvation we all share. But now I find that I must write about something else, urging you to defend the faith that God has entrusted once for all time to his holy people.” Jude 1:3 NLT
To protect from harm, to guard from attack, to repulse enemies – for centuries, rugged defenders have built walls, launched missiles, and waged wars, expending material and human resources in the battle to save nations and cities. And with total commitment and courageous abandon, individuals have fought for their families. It is a rule of life that we fight for survival, defending with all our strength what is most precious to us from every real or imagined attack.
God’s Word and the gift of eternal life have infinite value and have been entrusted to Christ’s faithful followers. Many live in opposition to God and His children. They twist God’s words, seeking to deceive and destroy the unwary. But God’s truth must go forth, carried and defended by those who have committed their lives to Jesus Christ. It is an important task, an awesome responsibility, and a profound privilege to have this commission.
This was Jude’s message to Christians everywhere. Opposition would come, and godless teachers would arise, but Christians should “defend the faith” by rejecting all falsehood and immorality, remembering God’s mighty acts of rescue and punishment and the warnings of the apostles. Jude calls his readers to build up their own faith by praying, keeping close to Christ, helping others, and hating sin.
How much do you value God’s Word, the fellowship of the church, and obedience to Jesus Christ? False teachers are waiting to destroy your Christ-centred life, the credibility of God’s Word, and the unity of the body of Christ. Read Jude and determine to stand firm in your faith and defend God’s truth at all costs.
Prayer: Father, thank You for Jude’s letter and the encouragement for us to stand firm in our faith and in the truth of Your Word. Instill within us determined disciplines to keep us from apostasy. Amen.
