Jude 24-25

Jude 24-25

And to the one who is powerful enough to guard us from stumbling into sin and to set us up blamelessly in front of His glory with great exultation, to the only God, our savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord: glory, greatness, power to rule, and authority to rule – before all time, now, and into all time. Amen.

Thoughts for Today

First Thought:

This is a great doxology.  As Jude concludes his letter, he turns all focus upon God.  After all, without God, none of his words could be true.  Without God, nothing is possible.  In the end, God should be our focus.  What matters in Him.

Is God your end?  Is God your focus?  Do you live a life that represents the idea that all that matters in the end is Him?

Second Thought:

What does Jude say about God?  There are two discussion points that Jude gives to us.  First of all, God is capable of guarding us from a stumble into sin.  Now, Jude isn’t talking about keeping us from ever sinning again.  Certainly God is powerful enough to do that, but in His authority He gives us the ability to disobey.  Jude is talking about sin in a relational context.  God is capable of guarding us so that our sin does not keep us from relationship with Him.  In fact, God is the only one capable of doing that!  Not even we can accomplish that feat!  This naturally leads us to Jude’s second discussion point.  God sets us up blamelessly in His presence.  In spite of our sin, He establishes us in His presence.  He welcomes us.  He allows us to exist in a place we should not naturally be able to exist.  That is His greatness.

Why are each of these points important?  To where do each of these points direct your thoughts regarding what is really important in life?

Third Thought:

Finally, Jude gives us a blessing upon God.  Mind you, God does not need our blessing.  But Jude asks that glory, greatness, and the power and authority to rule be in God at all times.  Why would Jude say this?  First of all, it is true.  There’s never any harm in saying the truth.  But more importantly, it serves as a reminder to him and the people to whom he is writing that it is true.

Do you ever need a reminder that God should get the glory?  What about greatness?  Do you ever need a reminder that God not only has the power but also the authority to rule in your life?

Passage for Tomorrow: 1 Peter 1:1-2