April 5: Jude 1 10-15

Key Verse: Jude 1 12
These are spots in your love feasts, while they feast with you without fear, serving only themselves. They are clouds without water, carried about by the winds; late autumn trees without fruit, twice dead, pulled up by the roots;

Devotion:
This letter Jude wrote is often overlooked because of the strong words held within. Most people are glad to talk about the 2nd half of the letter where God's grace is exposed, but many shy away from the first half where we are told of things we wish not to hear. We are very much like this in our own lives where we love to hear about the good things and the good times, but when we are faced with terrible truths often hidden from us, we try to look the other way. I believe Jude's letter was written to make sure we do remember the evil which is around us all the time, not just out in the big bad world, but attacking us deep within our churches.

Now don't get me wrong – I point no fingers! The last thing that I want is for anyone to start obsessing about the actions of another in church! But we have an enemy who is so wily we dare not take our eyes off of him for a second. He will not think twice about using those who are near and dear to us to trip us up. He will not think twice about using someone in a church which is weak. He will not think twice about abusing anyone... We have to be vigilant. We have to be aware. But most of all, we have to depend 100% on the Word of God.

Look how Jude exposes them that work against us, from within the very family (Cain), through to Satan himself. They will 'walk the walk' and know the Word, but when confronted with The Word, they will back off. Christ has already won the battle by laying down His own life on the cross. We need not fear anything so long as we fully trust in His protection. He is able to discern good from evil far more than we can. We are able to discern those that slap us round the face – but only He can see those that work from the inside. Trust in Him alone!

Jude 1 24-25 Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, And to present you faultless Before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy, To God our Saviour, Who alone is wise, Be glory and majesty, Dominion and power, Both now and forever. Amen.

Points to Ponder:
Can you spot a bad egg just by looking at it?

We need Christ's help and guidance all the time – depend on it!