Daily Manna November 2nd

Jude’s [Good] Last Words

[Read JUDE vss. 1-3]

All four of the books of the B’rit that I call Post-It Notes [Philemon, 2 John, 3 John, and Jude] were written to house churches–Jude’s to the scattered congregations. Three [excluding Jude] include names of some of the house church members, which is wonderful and very personal. However, only one [Philemon} has NO bad verses about church members’ sins. On the other end of the scale, Jude has the highest percentage [65%] of bad verses dealing with sins among the church members. Whereas 2 John is next at 33% and 3 John has 25%.

So, these three studies [11.2,3,4] will ONLY deal with Jude’s good last words to the believers, which are contained in vss. 1-3 and 20-25. But, they’re REALLY good! In fact, his closing in vs 25 is one of the most worshipful endings of any book in the entire Bible.

First, he deals with what believers are and what we have, and these are very important to remember.

• Called–set apart for one’s own, set apart for a purpose.
• Sanctified–made blameless, purified, consecrated.
• Kept–preserved, guarded from loss or injury, from a verb meaning to keep the eye on.
• Dear friends [vss. 3,20]–loved, beloved, loved as brothers and Jesus said how important it was for us to abide in my love. I pray for those who believe in me…that they may all be one, as we are one. I in them and you in me.
• Mercy [vss. 2,20]–active, tender compassion.
• Peace–calmness, prosperity, Exactly the same as shalom in Hebrew.
• Love [vss. 2,21]–love, highest affection, benevolence, All of the focus by the giver of this love, is on the receiver. Always used of G-d’s love.
• Multiplied–fullness, increasing, thronging.

Jude’s words, May mercy, peace and love be multiplied are somewhat of a prayer and blessing together. He’s asking G-d to multiply those things to the believers. He can’t, but G-d can. And, he’s reminding them of the active, tender compassion that their L-rd has for them. As well he mentions the calmness, prosperity and blessing that Jesus promised–Peace [same word as here] I leave with you. My peace I give unto you. Top that off with words about the love, highest affection, benevolence and charity that the Father focuses on them. Wow, that’s ALL good to hear, know, and be reminded of! Praying that for them re-emphasized his calling them dear friends.

Well, you are my dear friends also. That is my prayer and reminder for you all today.

Shalom, Shalom [saying it twice multiplies it–only said to dear friends].

Selah…Shalom…