Jude 20-22 – But you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, 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
Observation –
Jude is writing about the apostles foretelling of the end times. During those days, the Church is to build ourselves up in the faith by praying in the Spirit. Keep the love of Christ, look to an eternal life in heaven and patient wait the return of Jesus. This is in contrast to those who are scoffers and doers of ungodly deeds. We are to have compassion for the lost who doubt.
Application –
The passage above sounds a lot like the secular trend in our culture today that is changing at an alarming rate. Verse 19 say that the ungodly people will cause divisions. I can’t wade in the culture of ungodliness and be following Jesus. We must build ourselves collectively up by praying in the power of the Holy Spirit and being in the word remaining firmly rooted in God’s truth. Yes, there is much uncertainty with the virus and our country but there is certainty in an eternal life with Jesus when we place our faith and trust in Him. I need to have a heavenly focus remembering his love and mercy. We need to position ourselves as sojourners here as ambassadors for Christ. As such, we must carry with us a sense of urgency and mercy for nonbelievers.
Prayer –
Father,
Thank you for your love, grace and mercy you give freely to me. Let the power of the Spirit give me courage, guide me in prayer and have an eternal focus waiting for the return of Christ. Give me compassion/mercy for those who doubt and the right things to say and do to point them to you.