God’s Gifts of Mercy, Peace, and Love

READ Jude 1

The writer of this epistle identifies himself as Jude, who was the brother of James.  The name "Jude" was another name for "Judas" and on this basis is probably the half-brother of Christ just as James.  The names of Christ's half-brothers were James, Joses, Judas, and Simon. 

The theme of this small epistle deals with the subject of apostasy. Jude warned of its development, and it quite apparently had already set in. So, the emphasis of the epistle is to earnestly contend for the faith (verse 3). The key thought is loyalty to the truth once delivered to the saints.

Notice Jude 1:1-2, "Jude, the servant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James, to them that are sanctified by God the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ and called: 2Mercy unto you, and peace, and love, be multiplied."

vs. 1 - The epistle is addressed to those that are sanctified by God the Father, preserved in Jesus Christ and called.  I love the descriptive words used to speak of our reality in Christ.  Salvation is real and has wonderful aspects that are true for everyone who knows Christ as their Savior.  The believer is sanctified, that is, set apart from this world by God.  The believer is preserved in Jesus Christ.  There is no falling out of relationship for the believer.  Once saved, always saved!  And we are called.  The work of the Holy Spirit to draw us unto the Lord through the Lord Jesus Christ is a remarkable reality for all those who have repented of their sin and trusted Christ as their Savior.  Our lives as believers are filled with innumerable blessings!

vs. 2 - Jude invokes God’s mercy to his readers along with His peace and love. He begs God to multiply each of these to his readers.  Isn't it a blessing to know that you can live life with the attendant blessings of mercy, peace, and love.  God is good to us and has provided more than we deserve. I'm glad I am saved from my sins and a child of God!

Have a great day walking in God's mercy, peace, and love. 

Your Friend and HIS,

Pastor Abbott

MEDITATIONS

1.  Does just believing in Jesus Christ necessarily make you a servant of Jesus Christ?  Are you just a believer or are you also a servant?

2.  What are the evidences of a true believer?  Are all these traits a part of your life?  Where do you need to concentrate harder?

3.  How have you learned to live the sanctified life?  What struggles have you faced along the way?

4.  Do you believe God has called you?  How can you be sure?  If He has not called you, where is the shortcoming, in God or in you?