Scripture Read: 1 Jude, a bond-servant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James, To those who are the called, beloved in God the Father, and kept for Jesus Christ: 2 May mercy and peace and love be multiplied to you.
Application: It has always amazed me the way we humans can understand that when we are biological parents, no matter what our children do, they are always are children, even if we hate what they have become. Yet we do not afford the Lord that same kind of integrity – some in the Body of Christ not only believe but teach that God will deny a child of His that was redeemed by His Son. Jude reaffirms the commitment that God has made to the covenant He made with His Son.
The word here for “kept” is clear and unmistakable - τηρέω tēreō - a warden, guard. To keep an eye on, watch, and hence to guard, keep, keep the eyes fixed upon[1]
God is guarding us, watching over us, keeping us – notice for what – for His Son – we are the possession that belongs to Jesus – how much more does this emphasis our security in Christ – The God of all creation is guarding and securing you and me for His Son. How can we even run away from that? How sad those that teach loss of salvation do not realize how impotent they make our God to be. How can we escape from a warden that is God? Again, we can play on this and live in sin knowing we are safe – but if we are honest the other side of salvation must be dealt with – if we live as an unbeliever what gives us the peace and confidence to think that we are one. Our heart? No it is desperately wicked and can even deceive itself. So once again we must face that it is wrong to make the Lord appear weak and unable to hold that which He has grasped – us! Either we are saved – guarded and kept by Him forever – no matter. Or we have deceived ourselves and never were in the family of God. How much better it is to understand this truth of our God and instead of playing on it – be crushed with thanksgiving and humbled by it? Oh my Lord, why You would watch over us and keep us for Your Son, we do not know – but what we do know is that You are committed to that and we will revel in Your great love – and as we thrill in Your care it makes us desire all the more to live close to You and it is there that we sense that security that is from You alone. We sleep in peace because no matter what happens, we are destined to be with You and Your Son.
* Meditation Questions: What is the difference between being saved and feeling saved? If you were a parent your child has your blood – what can change that? Are we connected to God by our works or by the blood of Jesus? What does it mean we are adopted, joint heirs, partakers of the divine nature?
[1] Zodhiates, S. (2000). The complete word study dictionary : New Testament (electronic ed.). Chattanooga, TN: AMG Publishers.
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