Jude 1 THE SERVANT The name Jude, is a derivative of Judah, which means "Praise." This half-brother of our Lord Jesus Christ was conscious of a nearer and dearer connection with Jesus than the natural bond and allegiance of brothers in a family. The spiritual relationship he had with Jesus Christ was of far greater value to him than the fact they had the same mother. The relational connection with "Jesus Christ" that meant most to Jude was that of a bond-servant, and the honorable work that is associated with that title and calling. It wasn't simply modesty that kept him from identifying himself as the half-brother of Jesus, but the dignity and honor of the high calling of God as a servant of the Savior- Messiah.
When he identified himself as the brother of James, this was an act of modesty. James was a well-known person among God's people and Jude was willing to take second place to one who was a public leader. In both of these relationships, Jude clarifies the order of importance to be held in the family of God. Such relationships, and our understanding of our place in them, enables us to be effective in the context of our own life and calling. Service for the coming universal King is a great privilege and it promotes in us a sense of humility in that our Lord Jesus Christ allows us to participate in the work He is doing in the building of the kingdom of God. As the brother of James, Jude does not imply in any way a desire to compete or take a higher place than which he has been given among the Lord's people.
This is a general epistle in that it identifies those to whom it is written with words that are true of every believer whether they are Jews or Gentiles. Any person or assembly who reads this letter can say, "This is to me [us]." Every believer is sanctified by God the Father. This goes beyond only being set apart by God, to really mean, "Beloved in God." In a way this is a wake-up call to the saints in that the divine nature we have received is what establishes this unique, and once only salutation. Beloved people are those who are regarded with favor above that which is common. So, the Father loves us and tells us so! What a joy!
"Preserved in Jesus Christ," reminds us that we are "kept by the power of God," and by the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, we are what we are. We are kept by Him and for Him, in an unbreakable relationship that is eternal in its nature. In the context of this epistle it is being kept from the apostasy that was being taught by false teachers and its effect on the world in which we live. We have the same power today that keeps us from being overcome by the pressures to conform to the moral and cultural changes that are demeaning our deteriorating society. We are beloved by God the Father and are kept by the power of God the Son.
Added to that is the fact we are called by God. This is the work of God the Holy Spirit. We have been predestinated, and called, and justified and glorified by God Himself. None of this is the work of ourselves or of men. There is no sin pollution in our position in Christ.
Our salvation is through Christ and Him alone. It is "not of works lest any man should boast. We are made servants of Christ so we can have a meaningful life that is conducted with dignity and honor because of the One we serve. Also, we are sanctified for Christ, thus making our position of holiness not something we produce, but it is a work of our Lord who placed us where He can have fellowship with us. We are secure in Christ. Our eternal life is a gift from God and He has assured us that we "shall never perish." Day by day we are sustained by Christ even in times of departures and apostasy.
All of this gives us reason for joy and enthusiasm in the events of life as each day unfolds new truth, new areas of service and a new vision for life and that which is ahead. All of these blessings are for the people of God who are servants of Jesus Christ and preserved in Jesus Christ.
He must have been a man of grace When he was willing to take second place Behind his brother who was more well known And in his introduction his true humility is shown.
He was a servant to His Lord and kin But did not glory because he was a brother to Him Who created heaven, earth and sea and sky; And yet he was not willing to just stand by.
There were problems that needed to be addressed And he was one of those who knew what was best - What had to be done and warnings that had to be given So that God's people would be preserved on their way to heaven.
What he knew he faced, and with his pen in hand Gave warnings and solutions to problems now common to man Evil is increasing and the effect of it must be stopped Before many in the adversary's net will be caught.
"I know Father God, that the spirit of apostasy is rampant in these days. It is not only in society in general but it is churches that were once known as evangelical and scriptural. As the way is opened before us, help me to be ready to defend the faith and earnestly contend for the faith. I pray in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen."