The Book Of Jude, v.1, pt.3

v.1

Jude knows who his audience is, but his audience does not who they are! Well, maybe they know in their minds who they are supposed to be. They know theologically what God has said about them, but perhaps they have failed to internalize it. In any event, Jude writes that this letter is to a specific group of people and they are:

(To those who are) "called, sanctified by God the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ:"

"Called" or "The Called" is a word that recounts to mind "a summons" or "an invitation." A Christian has been invited into something, but into what? Of course, the easy answer is that we have been invited into fellowship with the Lord. Sounds glorious doesn't it? Who would'nt want His presence, His peace, His power in their lives? But that is not all. We are invited into His sufferings as well! We are summoned into His work! We are invited to the banquet and commissioned for His service.

The second word of the triplet is "sanctified." Holy has a very different connotation today. When we say that someone is holy, we are usually mocking them for their moral purity. For sure, that kind of practical holiness is imperative, but when something in the Bible was sanctified, it was set apart for official use. For example, there were articles that could only be used inside the temple, and only on specific days. For the rest of the year, they were put away. We have been sanctified, set apart for God's righteous use.

Finally, the third word is "preserved." It is my favorite word of the three. The word defined is "to guard," as in to guard a prisoner or to guard an official. The Lord is our shield, our guard, just as He refers to Himself way back in Genesis 15. Metaphorically, the word means "to keep one in the state in which he is." This is interesting. God is preserving us, keeping us in the faith, keeping us in our salvation. Does he mean that we are now without responsibility? Not ever! In fact, later we see that he tells them that they must keep themselves in the love of God (v.21)! Jude tells them this, because despite the dangers and their own failings, God is faithful in fulfilling His promise. This is consistent with what we read in verse 24.

I see in these three words comfort, purpose and encouragement. Comfort in that we belong to God in a unique way. Purpose in that He has set us apart for a holy work. Encouragement in that He will not let me stumble out of His grasp! I pray that you would see the same.