20 June 2014
Ruth 1; 2
Isaiah 44
Jude 1
“WHO PERVERT THE GRACE OF OUR GOD”
The 25 verse epistle of Jude, the “brother of James” [Jude 1] and therefore understood to be another son of Mary and Joseph, is extremely interesting and challenging. Jude is very succinct, first drawing lessons from the failures in the nations’ history [Jude 5-7] and then condemning the false ways that are developing among the believers.
We are fascinated by the parabolic language used from Jude 12 on. Jude does not write a complete parable as such, but uses words and phrases to describe the serious attitudes and behaviour that was developing among believers. We read, “these are blemishes on your love feasts, as they feast with you without fear, looking after themselves, waterless clouds, swept along by the winds, fruitless trees in late autumn, twice dead, uprooted; wild waves of the sea, casting up the foam of their own shame; wandering stars, for whom the gloom of utter darkness has been reserved forever.”
This is a tragic testimony to human nature, but history testifies to its truth at several stages of history, such as the development to establish the dictatorial church at Rome and its rituals and then again after the inspiring flood of renewed faith in the Middle Ages that began with the work of Wickliffe and Tyndale and the printing of the Bible! But that was followed by a renewal of those “who pervert the grace of God into sensuality …” [Jude 4] And so today there is a lot of talk (and written material) about “grace” but little or no substance about what God’s word says is to be believed.
Jude builds up his message to include words that clearly apply to our generation, referring to the letters of the Apostles that “in the last time there will be scoffers, following their own ungodly passions…” [Jude18] Others can talk about “grace”, perverting the wonder of it - as though believers have the benefit of grace whatever they do! But the message for us now, especially in Jude 20,21 is, “But you beloved build yourself up in your most holy faith; pray in the Holy Spirit (holiness of spirit); keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life.”
-------
- DC
Thought for the Day
20 June 2014
"Not everything written is profitable; not everything is needful. The writings of God are ample and adequate to make us wise unto salvation. It was the wise man who said that there was no end to the making of books, and John quaintly ends up his gospel with these words about writing: “There are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose the world itself could not contain the books that should be written” (John 21:25)"
- D.N. Wood
So I write ... (1954)
Ruth 1; 2
Isaiah 44
Jude 1
“WHO PERVERT THE GRACE OF OUR GOD”
The 25 verse epistle of Jude, the “brother of James” [Jude 1] and therefore understood to be another son of Mary and Joseph, is extremely interesting and challenging. Jude is very succinct, first drawing lessons from the failures in the nations’ history [Jude 5-7] and then condemning the false ways that are developing among the believers.
We are fascinated by the parabolic language used from Jude 12 on. Jude does not write a complete parable as such, but uses words and phrases to describe the serious attitudes and behaviour that was developing among believers. We read, “these are blemishes on your love feasts, as they feast with you without fear, looking after themselves, waterless clouds, swept along by the winds, fruitless trees in late autumn, twice dead, uprooted; wild waves of the sea, casting up the foam of their own shame; wandering stars, for whom the gloom of utter darkness has been reserved forever.”
This is a tragic testimony to human nature, but history testifies to its truth at several stages of history, such as the development to establish the dictatorial church at Rome and its rituals and then again after the inspiring flood of renewed faith in the Middle Ages that began with the work of Wickliffe and Tyndale and the printing of the Bible! But that was followed by a renewal of those “who pervert the grace of God into sensuality …” [Jude 4] And so today there is a lot of talk (and written material) about “grace” but little or no substance about what God’s word says is to be believed.
Jude builds up his message to include words that clearly apply to our generation, referring to the letters of the Apostles that “in the last time there will be scoffers, following their own ungodly passions…” [Jude18] Others can talk about “grace”, perverting the wonder of it - as though believers have the benefit of grace whatever they do! But the message for us now, especially in Jude 20,21 is, “But you beloved build yourself up in your most holy faith; pray in the Holy Spirit (holiness of spirit); keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life.”
-------
- DC
Thought for the Day
20 June 2014
"Not everything written is profitable; not everything is needful. The writings of God are ample and adequate to make us wise unto salvation. It was the wise man who said that there was no end to the making of books, and John quaintly ends up his gospel with these words about writing: “There are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose the world itself could not contain the books that should be written” (John 21:25)"
- D.N. Wood
So I write ... (1954)
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