Our daily reflections follow the M'Cheyne Bible reading plan, designed for those who want to read the whole Bible in one year. Each reflection focuses on one of the chapters from that day's readings. Darllenwch rhain yn Gymraeg.
Lord, prepare me to receive your word. Clear my mind and warm my heart. Assure me of your loving purposes for me, and speak into my life today.
Jude’s letter is an urgent call to fight for and defend the true faith. He thought he had cause to rejoice with a faithful community of believers but, to his horror, he finds they’re not only in crisis but seemingly unaware of the fact.
‘Ungodly people’ have somehow ‘crept in unnoticed’ (verse 4) and they’re infecting everything with their poisonous presence. Driven by their sinful instincts (verse 10) and motivated by greed (verse 11), they twist the gospel teaching of grace to say they can be as immoral as they like without suffering any consequences. It amounts to a denial of ‘our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ’, Jude writes (verse 4).
How do you think a church would react to receiving a letter like this today? With its harsh tone, vivid imagery and numerous reminders of God’s judgement, the letter is meant to be a shocking and uncomfortable read. But Jude was clearly willing to offend some for the sake of those who would wake up to the danger and repent. Perhaps this is his attempt to save some ‘by snatching them out of the fire’ (verse 23).
Jude’s methods may be forceful but they’re not unloving. He’s not baying for his readers’ destruction! He wants to see their faith restored and evidence of the Holy Spirit and the love of God in their lives. He wants mercy for doubters and salvation for those lost in sin (verses 20–23). Above all, he wants them to see the greatness of ‘the only God, our Saviour, through Jesus Christ our Lord’ and to give him all the glory (verses 24–25).
Dear God, thank you that you are able to keep me from falling and to bring me faultless and joyful into your glorious presence. To you be glory, majesty, might and authority, from all ages past, and now, and for ever and ever! Amen.
This reflection was written by Esther King, Digital Communications Officer at Bible Society
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