Scripture:
Jude 1:17-19 But you must remember, beloved, the predictions of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ. They said to you, “In the last time there will be scoffers, following their own ungodly passions.” It is these who cause divisions, worldly people, devoid of the Spirit.
Observation:
Jude calls on his readers to remember what Jesus predicted when he was speaking to His disciples. Jesus warned that worldly people would follow their own heart and not God’s heart scoffing, or mocking, Christians for doing God’s work.
Christ came into this world to save us, to help strengthen us and give us hope. Christ saves; he does not condemn or scoff. Scoffers are just the opposite. They bring people down, they do not lift people up. Scoffers are worldly people, not heavenly, ridiculing those that are different.
Application:
I am to remember. Remembering is important because when the time comes when I am confronted with scoffers, I will know how to recognize, act and react. There are numerous stories in the Bible where people built altars to remember an activity or event that occurred. These altars served as reminders for those that looked at the altars. I need to set up mental “altars” that serve as reminders to me. Reminders of activities and events that have occurred in my life that have caused me to both succeed and fail. These altars will help me repeat the positives behaviors and recognize when the negative behaviors are near so I can turn away.
I am to remember God’s word and what Jesus taught. I am to remember so I don’t stumble. I am to remember so I don’t repeat mistakes. I am to remember so when scoffers come, I know to recognize them and stay away. I am to remember so I stay on the right path and don’t get led astray.
Prayer:
Your word is true. Your word is timeless. Help me remember your words and follow your words. Allow me the wisdom to separate myself from the scoffers. He me focus on the positive not the negative so I can also be a person the builds people up and not tear them down.