Watch for fallen rocks (Jude)

November 15, 2010 mondayswithmaria

As a teenager, my mom and aunt Kris took my brother, Eric, and I on a great road trip from NY to Arizona.  As mom drove us through the Hopi Reservation, there were rock cliffs along the road with signs below warning, “Watch for fallen rocks.”  My aunt Kris said, “Well, there’s one now!”  We laughed because there were “fallen” rocks everywhere, but the sign was intending to warn of large rocks or boulders on the roadway.  I remembered this moment of my childhood trip as Edward and I hiked in Ouachita National Forest.  Edward would regularly call out “Rock!” or “Root!” or any other hazard that may trip me up, sending me off the narrow trail down the hillside to the lake below.  There were also yellow stripes of paint or arrows on the trees every 20 to 30 feet to lead hikers through the forest.

Signs have two purposes: to guide and to warn.   Jude’s letter serves just those purposes to the church.  Jude is warning against ungodly people influencing the saved.  “For certain people have crept in unnoticed who long ago were designated for this condemnation, ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God…” (Jude 4)  Like sin itself, ungodly people can slowly infiltrate our lives and influence our behavior.  It often begins very subtly, but before long, we are accepting behaviors that we once would not.  Jude offers some clues as to who these offenders are: “These are grumblers, malcontents, following their own sinful desires; they are loud-mouthed boasters, showing favoritism to gain advantage.” (Jude 16) 

This was not Jude’s only warning. 

“It is these who cause divisions, worldly people, devoid of the Spirit.” (Jude 19)  Divisions can be deadly to a body of believers, and people devoid of the Spirit can sabotage strength of faith.  These warnings must be taken seriously.  We must continue to watch for warning signs in our spiritual lives, friends (and anyone we keep company with), co-workers, church, and community.  Some of those who are lost are just missing the signs; others see the signs and reject them – turning away and following their own path.

Jude leaves us with a guide, however, to the behaviors we should continue in our lives and in our interactions with those who are not believers.  “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; save others by snatching them out of the fire; to others show mercy with fear, hating even the garment stained by the flesh.” (Jude 20-23)  First, we must build and guard our faith with the help of the Holy Spirit, but then, we must seek to save those who are lost through love and mercy. 

My prayer today:

Lord, thank you for the warnings and guidance provided through the Holy Spirit and the Bible.  Help me to recognize Your leading versus the influences of people in my life.  Protect me from the negative influences of doubters, grumblers, and malcontents.  Help me to serve You through love and mercy.  Amen

Entry Filed under: Christian living,Wisdom

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