Last Sunday, a message from Jude was given with no holds barred. Straight up and personal.
The Book of Jude is a letter placed just before Revelation, which I find interesting. It feels like it is the author's "last chance" to tell something, just in case he does not survive to write the next letter.
I know that man had a hand in ordering the ancient manuscripts of the Bible as we know it, but it is equally true that God directs man's hand when it is His Word.
The authorship of Jude is not completely clear. Most believe he was one of the original twelve. He was likely related to James... but was it James, the son of Alpheus, or James, the brother of Jesus? Jude/Judas are the same name. Thaddeus means "courageous heart", and was a possible nickname for the disciple since Judas Iscariot was a disciple, too.
Does authorship matter? I find it more interesting and it can help us gain a deeper understanding of a text, but it is God's Word. He protects it. We are instructed to protect it, too. Jude tries to get that point across to the readers, too.
To me, Jude's letter feels like a "read this before leaving" letter. Revelation comes next.
I went back and reread Jude's letter... the entire text. It gave me chills (the good kind) to find it connected directly (vs. 11) to another Old Testament passage I had explored after listening to Jordan Peterson interview Tim Ballard and Jim Caviezel about the "Sound of Freedom" movie. Peterson mentioned the passage and I looked it up (Genesis 4:7 with the original Hebrew for comparison) to read it for myself. Again... chills!
"Its desire is contrary to you, but you must rule over it.” -Genesis 4:7
The word for "its desire" in Hebrew is one that means a craving... like as a woman for a man, a man for a woman, or a beast to devour. It strongly links the need for power with sexual cravings. Interesting, right? Relevant in 2023? I think so.
From the beginning of time, it has been a struggle. For Cain, it led to the murder of his brother because of the sin in his own heart. Predatory and power seeking behavior is real. Human trafficking is real. "Sound of Freedom" gives a glimpse into the very real darkness. Money, power, and unthinkable perversions surround the victims who are sold again and again.
It makes me angry. Then, Jude gives me more to think about:
"And you must show mercy to those whose faith is wavering. Rescue others by snatching them from the flames of judgment. Show mercy to still others, but do so with great caution, hating the sins that contaminate their lives." Jude (vs. 22-23)
God will judge those who have sold their souls for power and pleasure. Courageous men and women are on the front lines of bringing justice to the evil, rescue to the victims, and hope for the future. We can support things like Operation Underground Railroad (Justice) and International Justice Mission(Mercy). We can wear a dress every day in Dressember.
May God give you more and more mercy, peace, and love. -Jude (vs. 2)
Today, I am grateful for a letter from Jude.
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