Jude is an interesting person. He has been mentioned and referred to by many names throughout the Bible: St Jude, Judas Thaddaeus, Jude of James, Jude Thaddaeus, or Lebbaeus. He was one of the Twelve Apostles and the brother of James and Jesus. He is mention in the New Testament twice: Luke 6:16 and Acts 1:13.
The epistle of Jude was written around 65 A.D. The epistle is short, but packed with complex themes and messages. For centuries many biblical scholars have tried to analyze the messages and relay them in a fashion that is easy to consume. From the NIV Life Application Study Bible it states that the main themes are: False Teachers and Apostasy. These themes are both valid then and now: be aware of those not teaching in accordance with the scriptures and walking in the truth of Christ; and do not drift away from our commitment to Christ.
Jude is sending us a wake up call. He is reemphasizing the need to be alert and forever on our guard. In the busyness of our lives, we have everything on a particular schedule: take the children to school; walk the dog; shop for groceries; prepare meals; schedule this practice; pick up this book/clothing/project for the family. But do we take the intentional time to schedule quiet time, devotionals, small groups, serving others, and being with other Christ followers. It is during these times of busyness we allow our spirit to drift away from Christ (Apostasy) and then we have weakened our armor and are vulnerable to the attacks of false teachers. We must recommit ourselves to these intentional times to stay aligned with Christ.
Jude tells that knowledge of all of the scriptures is good, but without the true relationship of Christ and the presence of the Holy Spirit we are not able to truly understand God’s purpose for us. I pray that the Holy Spirit continues to strengthen our relationship with Christ and give us the understanding and awareness to be vigilant and ready for the challenges and schemes that lie ahead.
In the midst of the events that have unfolded last week I want to close the post with this verse :
Psalms 46 : 10-11
“Be still, and know that I am God.
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth!”
11 The Lord of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress.