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Jude 17-25
Today, we are surrounded by holiday planning, family recipes, and sales that we feel compelled to take advantage of. We rush into the office carrying deep joy in the same bag as our deep sorrow. In the morning, our coffee turns cold, with our minds occupied by anything but where our feet are. The days are short and the nights are long. Where is God?
Amid those days when we are eager to fast forward to the finale, may I ask: how great can our long-awaited feast be without our daily bread? Will we be able to appreciate the flavor and bounty with our stomachs empty and aching? What if you, beloved, took today to build yourself in the faith? What would that look like to you?
In his letter, Jude offers practical wisdom for these waiting days. He urges us to pray under the direction of the Holy Spirit, to pray with help amidst our human weakness. That we may be brought closer to God’s truth rather than deceived by worldly people and false teachers. He continues by calling us to keep ourselves in the love of God—to be in right relationship with God and those walking with us here today. He calls us to put that love in action. Lastly, as contenders for the faith, we must keep hope alive in our hearts. We look forward to the mercy of Jesus, which leads to eternal life. We wait expectantly. We wait with hope.
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