October 10, 2021 – Jude

“For certain people have crept in . . . ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God into sensuality and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ” (vs. 5). “Crept in” . . . Satan and his devices! Not through the front door, but the back. Not boldly, but stealthily. Not loudly, but quietly. Satan has his devices and his men, but God has his! And so, the Lord raised up Jude to write this epistle, to recall for them the truth, and to remind them that this is the way it always is, i.e., “there will be scoffers . . . those who cause divisions, worldly people, devoid of the Spirit” (vss. 18,19).

Jude's readers, on the other hand, are to build themselves up in the faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life. For they, and we, have a God “who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy” (vs. 24). Satan has his devices, but they are no match for our God and the truth of his Word.

Faith of the martyrs, living still

in spite of dungeon, fire, and sword;

oh, how our hearts beat high with joy

whene’er we hear that glorious word!

Faith of the martyrs, holy faith,

we will be true to thee till death. --Frederick William Faber (1849)