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I read the book of Jude the other day. It is only one chapter and it is a very interesting read.

The book focuses on a select group of people. Jude tells his readers, "I found it necessary to write appealing to you to contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints" (Jude 1:3). That's the focus -- "contend for the faith" -- because of this select group of people. Jude's first description is ... well ... unnerving.

Certain people have crept in unnoticed who long ago were designated for condemnation, ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God into sensuality and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ (Jude 1:4).

It's unnerving to most because it speaks of "designated for condemnation" and includes the descriptive "long ago". Literally, in fact, it says "from before time". The suggestion is that these people about whom Jude is warning his readers were ... well ... predestined for condemnation. Okay, unpleasant, but that's what it says.

Moving on from that unpleasantness, Jude has much to say about these folks. We've already seen that they "pervert the grace of our God into sensuality" and "deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ." But there is more -- a lot more. It's a short read. Look at some of the other descriptions. "In like manner these people also, relying on their dreams, defile the flesh, reject authority, and blaspheme the glorious ones" (Jude 1:8). "In like manner" to what? Just like the children of Israel who came out of Egypt but were destroyed because they failed to believe (Jude 1:5). Just like the angels who fell (Jude 1:6). Just like the people of Sodom and Gomorrah who "indulged in sexual immorality and pursued unnatural desire" (Jude 1:7). (On a side note, if Sodom and Gomorrah were judged because of their lack of hospitality, what in the world is Jude talking about?) He says more. "These people blaspheme all that they do not understand" (Jude 1:). He uses some colorful language: These are "shepherds feeding themselves; waterless clouds, swept along by winds; fruitless trees in late autumn, twice dead, uprooted" (Jude 1:12). Then he lapses into less colorful, more blatant language: "These are grumblers, malcontents, following their own sinful desires; they are loud-mouthed boasters, showing favoritism to gain advantage" (Jude 1:16), and "It is these who cause divisions, worldly people, devoid of the Spirit" (Jude 1:19).

I am quite sure that most God-fearing Christians, people who read the Bible and believe it, can recognize folks who fall in this category. It seems that today we are inundated with them. They enjoy popular positions in well-known churches and public podiums from which to share their message with the world. Like the description says, they present themselves as one of us (like the Israelites who didn't believe). They appear to be "clouds" offering refreshment or "trees" offering nourishment although they are, in fact, waterless clouds and fruitless trees. They are marked by deviation from orthodoxy rather than affirmation of the faith. They assault the faithful and applaud the sinful.

About these Jude says they are "devoid of the Spirit", "long ago designated for condemnation", "perverting grace into sensuality". Because of these Jude warns we must "contend for the faith." What does Jude say to do?

Keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life. And have mercy on those who doubt; save others by snatching them out of the fire; to others show mercy with fear, hating even the garment stained by the flesh (Jude 1:21-23).

First, look to yourselves. Love is the command, predicated on the recognition that we, too, are sinners in need of mercy. Then, have mercy on doubters. Not all who struggle fall in this category of evil. Work to turn others from sin, even if it means "snatching them out of the fire". In some cases, show mercy but, frankly, be afraid. Some are so stained that their very "clothing" is stained. Don't even pick up their trappings.

I could name names and I could call to action about individuals, but I don't think I need to do more than Jude already did. You who do have the Spirit, contend for the faith. Ground yourselves in love. Show mercy. Save who you can. Recognize that God has determined that some will never repent. And be careful about picking up the terms and trappings of those who "deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ." To these, show mercy with fear. Ultimately, trust in Him "who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy" (Jude 1:24). This is Jude's calling on "those who are called, beloved in God the Father and kept for Jesus Christ" (Jude 1:1).

"Today's Little Lift" from Jim Bullington

Mercy and not Sacrifice (Sept. 30, 2010)