Jude 1:22-23 NIV
[22] Be merciful to those who doubt; [23] save others by snatching them from the fire; to others show mercy, mixed with fear—hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh.
Not much is known of Jude, the writer of the words in the verses above, apart from the fact that he introduces himself as a servant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James. The letter, just 25 verses, is addressed to those who have been called by God, who live in the love of God the Father and the protection of Jesus Christ. This introduction is critical to the entire chapter, and like all the words in the Bible, I have to know where it affects me, what it demands from me, and how and when I need to do what is required, so that I can become all that God desires for me. Jude speaks from a place of personal conviction, as he must have been close to the events around Jesus Christ. It is not enough to be in or around church; Christ, the head of the church, has to be formed in me. It is of no use if I can quote all scripture, but His Life is not evident in and on me.
For all who have been called by God, and who live in the love of God the Father, as well as the protection of Jesus Christ, the demand is different. That ownership and allegiance call for a different focus and lifestyle. The call of God upon a man's life leaves him no choice; you are either all in or all out. There is no room for lukewarmness or half-hearted devotion to the things of God. I cannot seek to please God and be at peace with the world at the same time. These are parallel lines that can never meet, no matter how long you draw them for, or how hard you try to fit them into the same vessel. Check out the demand of the verses above, and relate these to the devotion for yesterday. Mercy comes from a place of understanding and appreciation of what you have received. It makes it easy for me to extend the same grace I have received to other people. However, the warning too is clear: in dealing with people, be careful of your own state too.
There will be people on the journey of faith who may not yet understand why you do the things you do. There are some who are in trouble and are seeking help. There are others who do not yet know the Lord at all, and are looking for the right examples to follow. For all of them, the key words are mercy and fear. This looks contradictory, but for everyone who comes your way, know what God is saying, and hand over control to the One who knows the hearts of men. Do not rely on your human schemes; let the fear of God keep you focused on the right thing at all times. The warnings above include hating even the clothing that has been stained by corrupted flesh. This would mean among other things, that I must flee from all appearances of evil. There is no room for the management of sin. If it was not accepted by God under Adam, it will not become accepted now. My walk with God must be perfect, so that I can make it to heaven at the end of my race. There is nothing this world can give that will adequately make up for the loss of eternity with God. Keep clean; your eternity depends on it. God's time of favour is here.
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