Recognizing the climate of the religious community, Jude makes his authority known as to his ability to speak. He begins with his relationship to Jesus and his brother, James.

For as it is written in Jude verse 1: “Jude is a servant of Jesus Christ and the brother of James.” The community recognized two things with his relationship with Jesus: (1) He is his brother and (2) he is a servant of the work of his brother.

Jude also made sure the believers in the crowd knew who they were. For the believer can be characterized in three ways: (1) they are called by God, (2) because they are called, they are also beloved by God, and (3) they are kept for and by Jesus Christ. Now the tone is set.

Why did Jude feel compel to speak to the church? What did he see happening in the body of the Church? He did not mince his words to the faithful. Jude saw false teachers -- i.e., troublemakers to the faith.

These persons were hypocrites, divisive and immoral. For verse 4 reads: “For certain intruders have stolen in among you, people who long ago were designated for this condemnation as ungodly, who pervert the grace of our God into licentiousness and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ”

Jude called them intruders!

Why intruders?

He wanted to warn the faith community that licentious persons were destroying the faith. They undermined the church because they made a mockery of God’s grace and they denied our God and His Son. The warning then is the warning today, be watchful, discerning and observant to sheep in wolves clothing entering the church. There are two kinds of wolves, the legalist and the lawless.

Are the wolves still present in the 21st century church?

What would Jude say to us, the 21st century Believer?

I just believe he would say get your houses of faith in order. He would admonish us to be bold in our faith, be forgiving and extend grace and mercy while being diligent and determined to rid the church of wolves that seek to destroy the authentic church.

Rev. Glencie Rhedrick
***
Dear Gracious God,

We thank you for the spirit and presence of Jude. We thank you for Jude’s passion for the faith and the faithful. Oh, Lord God, allow us to be recipients of your abundant grace, mercy and love.
Remind us to be a guardian for the spirit of the law and not the letter of the law. Help us to live in spirit and in truth and for forgiveness of our sins. Give us strength to stand on the Word of God in order that we may be able to fight for justice for the least of these.

Bless us and keep us as only you can.

In the strong name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, I pray this prayer. Amen, Amen and Amen.
 

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