The Letter of Jude is the second-to-last book in the New Testament, coming just before Revelation. Jude is only one chapter long, just 25 verses. But it’s jam packed with timeless promises and urgent warnings. When I and meditate on this concise NT letter, I’m stunned at the Holy Spirit’s way of speaking the right word for the right moment in 2021 through a message written two millennia ago. It’s uncanny—but that’s how God works.
Take the key truth balance that has to do with keeping and being kept: Jude addresses churches that are straying (perhaps without knowing it) toward false teaching; there are even corrupt influencers who’ve infiltrated the fellowship! In light of this threat to the purity and orthodoxy of the church, Jude urges believers to “contend for the faith” (v 3)—that is, guard the gospel, hold firmly to the apostolic truth God has revealed. And guard themselves: “Keep yourselves in the love of God” (v 21)—that’s the main command Jude issues. Keep yourselves, cling to Christ, stay close—ever so close—to our strong Shepherd. Do it.
But don’t imagine that Jude’s message just boils down to a charge to act rightly—not so. The letter is bracketed by reminders of God’s keeping-care: Verse 1, “To those who are called, beloved in God the Father and kept for Jesus Christ.” God “keeps” his children; we’re secure in his love. And v 24, “Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy…” God is strong to save—and his unlimited power is applied in safeguarding his people from ultimately stumbling and falling away forever.
This is the nuanced, balanced, beautiful message of Jude: Yes, believers must contend for the faith; we must hold to the gospel truth. But not in our own power; not as if everything depended on us. As we keep ourselves in God’s love, we can be assured that we’re being kept by the omnipotent hand of our loving Lord!
So be still, and give thanks, and rest the Father's strong arms--AND get to work!
