We all get letters from time to time. Frankly, there are some letters that we enjoy receiving and then there are those that we would just rather not open. Jude’s letter is one of the former. One that is enjoyable to read ~ in summary, ‘short and sweet’.
His opening greeting is all-encompassing. “To those who have been called, who are loved by God the Father and kept by Jesus Christ: …Mercy, peace and love be yours in abundance.”
Then, after offering some wise warnings, Jude goes on to write words of affirmation and encouragement to his readers ~ 20But you, dear friends, build yourselves up in your most holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit. 21Keep yourselves in God's love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life.
Not a bad letter to receive, is it? But wait…there’s more! Jude’s concluding words reveal just how awesome and abundant God is and clearly motivates ‘those who are called; loved by God and kept by Jesus’ to go on living faith-confident lives. So, here’s the more!
24(Now) to him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy— 25to the only God our Saviour be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen.
These final 25 words give us a real assurance that God is abundantly able.
Now (that's the present)
to him (that’s the person of God)
who is able (that’s His power)
to keep you (that’s His protection)
from falling (that’s to make you perfect),
and to present you faultless (that’s to make you pure)
before the presence of his glory (that’s His prestige)
with exceeding joy (that’s our pleasure).
