But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.” (Jude 20,21)

The book of Jude begins with an exhortation to stand for “the faith“. The author recognizes the dangerous influence of false teachers that were turning the grace of God into “lewdness”.  (vs. 4) Jude follows with a vivid description of these apostates. (vs. 5-19)  From these corruptor’s who have occupied his pen, Jude now directs his readers toward final words of encouragement.

First, Jude’s readers are exhorted to “keep themselves” in God’s circle of love. The soul’s primary retreat is the love of God. “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written: ‘For Your sake we are killed all day long; We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.’ Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.” (Romans 8:35-38). 

Second, “the faith” which was mentioned in verse three is the objective standard they must cling to. Jude personalizes “the faith” (“your most holy faith”) because it had been delivered to them. The faith delivered by God, the gospel of Christ, is the only sure and solid foundation for our soul’s salvation. For this reason, Jude encourages them to build on this foundation. A better and more complete understanding of God‘s will is the best preventative against the false doctrine that was plaguing these disciples.

Next, this must be coupled with praying in the Holy Spirit. The spirit instructs us and helps us to ask according to God‘s will. The spirit suggest the manner of a prayer of sincerity and fervency. It is by this kind of prayer that the saint can become empowered to overcome the evil.


Finally, Jude’s words are linked to an expectation of God‘s mercy, and its ultimate end, eternal life. This inspired writer encourages his disciples to keep their hearts focused on the goal. It was through God‘s mercy that the people were called into a relationship with him. The final manifestation of mercy will be enjoying God‘s presence forever.


Dear reader where do you stand with God? The message of Jude is to persevere! One day you will enjoy the reward.


George Slover

 

And it will come to pass in that day That the mountains shall drip with new wine, The hills shall flow with milk, And all the brooks of Judah shall be flooded with water; A fountain shall flow from the house of the LORD And water the Valley of Acacias. (Joel 3:18)

The thoughts here seem to be connected with the more familiar prophecy found in chapter 2 verses 28 through 32.   If this is true, then the figurative language here offers a beautiful image of the Messianic era.

In Homer Hailey’s “A Commentary on the Minor Prophets”, page 60; he says, “the context describes spiritual Zion in the days of the Spirit.  So the figure of the mountains dripping sweet wine, the hills flowing with milk, and brooks flowing with water is a pictorial description of the spiritual plenty in the days of the Spirit.”  Here Joel provides a three-fold description of spiritual Zion.

First, Joel foretells of the rich spiritual blessings of Christ. (vs. 18) Those who partake of the “wine” and overflowing “brooks” are “filled with the Spirit” (Ephesians 5:18) and in them is “all the fullness of God”.  (Ephesians 3:19)  Jesus said, "He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water." (John 7:38)  These gifts from God occasion joy and gladness to those who receive them.

Next, the prophet foretells of the imperishability of the Messianic kingdom. (vs. 19,20)  In Old Testament times nations constantly threatened Israel and Judah.  However, when one accepts Jesus as their king, they become citizens of a kingdom that cannot be moved. (Hebrews 12:28) The Lord provides everything essential for its nourishment and protection.  One day the great Deliverer shall put an end to all rule and all authority and power (1 Corinthians 15:24), and God’s people will forever sing a victory song.

Finally, Joel prophesies of its purity. (vs. 21)  As long as man is defiled by sin, he is an offense to God, but God promises to acquit the sinner.  Through the atonement of Christ, the people of God can be cleansed from all sin.

In wonderful poetic language, Joel predicts a reign of peace, plenty, and prosperity.  Dear reader, we don’t have to wait for it.  If you wish to make Jesus your king, you can enjoy Him now and forever!

By George Slover, Jr.
 

Thus says the Lord: ‘Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, Let not the mighty man glory in his might,Nor let the rich man glory in his riches; But let him who glories glory in this, That he understands and knows Me, That I am the Lord, exercising lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth. For in these I delight,’ says the Lord.” (Jeremiah 9:23,24)

These two verses hardly describe the condition of Judah at the time of the writing. However, for future reference perhaps Jeremiah wishes to point out all of the nation’s failed subjects of boasting – wisdom, wealth, and might.

During Jeremiah‘s day Judah had prided herself in the wisdom of alliances with such nations as Egypt and Assyria. The army of Judah was thought to be strong, and Jerusalem impregnable. And the many days of peace had allowed the nation to accumulate wealth.

The United States of America recently celebrated it’s 242nd birthday. Our nation has experienced unprecedented freedom, vast resources, and unparalleled wealth. America prides herself in wisdom, prosperity, and strength, but it is a nation of people who have lost their moral bearing. Our wise Statesmen, extraordinary wealth, and mighty armies apart from a moral compass are worthless. 

In such a society, disciples of Christ are tempted to overvalue the things of this world. It is tempting to think of our education, money, and power as sources of security. We sadly assume that the accumulation of wealth protects us from heartache, that our wisdom can out-wit the other guy, and our imposing physical prowess will avoid calamity. However, Jesus rebukes such foolishness with a parable about a rich man in Luke’s Gospel. (See Luke 12:16-21)

The true glory of man is the knowledge of God. The chief purpose of mankind is to glorify God and rejoice in his presence. All other pursuits are subordinate to this one. Disease, death, and financial loss can destroy our earthly treasures, but they cannot destroy our relationship with God.

The prophet lists three marks of the one who has the knowledge of God. It is manifested in fruits of loving-kindness toward others, justice or equity in human affairs, and walking in righteousness toward God. Those who truly know God live by those things that God approves.

It is tempting for us to rejoice unduly in those things that derive from education and wealth. But nothing compares with a knowledge of God that connects us with heaven, immortality, and the influence of godly character by which we may enrich the lives of others.

By George Slover

Even so then at this present time there is a remnant according to the election of grace”.  (Romans 11:5)

“Remnant” does not appear to be a complimentary term, yet it is a word God used to describe his people.  This word is defined according to W.E. Vines as “that which is left”.  One would not think of the leftovers as being very comely.  Yet, God uses this word describe his people in a glorious way.

Elijah, the prophet, was discouraged in his time ( I Kings 19:10) because he assumes that all Israel has fallen into the idol worship of Ahab and Jezebel.  However, God says that there are 7,000 true worshipers left.  These faithful ones (God’s special people) were called a “remnant”!

Just like in Elijah’s day, God’s faithful remnant has always been in the minority.  For example, when God sent twelve spies into Canaan to spy out the land (Num.13:26-33), how many of those spies were faithful?  How many of those spies can you name?  You probably remember only two of them- Joshua and Caleb.  You remember the two that were of the faithful remnant.
 
Also, Romans 9:27 Paul says, “Isaiah also cries out concerning Israel: ‘Though the number of the children of Israel be as the sand of the sea, the remnant shall be saved.’”  His point is that only a small minority will accept the terms of salvation in Christ.  Thus, the saved are described as a remnant.  Jesus said, “Narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.”  (Mt.7:13,14)

So, be encouraged, brother!  You may be ridiculed and ostracized by the multitude, but find comfort in being among God’s remnant!

George Slover

You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord will not hold him guiltless who takes His name in vain.”  (Deuteronomy 5:11)

Jehovah has supreme authority over all that we do. This would certainly include our speech. This third commandment seems to cover this area.

The “name of God“ is a phrase referring to Jehovah himself. It stands for much more than just speaking of God. The “name of God” represents God’s very essence and character – his omnipotence, wisdom, love, and justice. All of these things are included in God’s name. 

We commonly use this passage as a warning against profanity. Some may warn of using God‘s name flippantly and irreverently. Or, some speak of those who viciously scoff at God and impugn his character. Others warn of vain worship where God’s name is spoken of thoughtlessly in song and prayer. The Bible certainly warns of all of these transgressions.

Some apply this verse in regard to our relationship with others such as making promises that we never intend to keep. Making oaths rashly are forbidden by God. One must never use God‘s name to persuade others of a conclusion that is not true. Jesus said, “But let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No.’ For whatever is more than these is from the evil one.” (Matthew 5:37)

However, these typical applications miss the true intent of this commandment. Literally, the Hebrew translates “you shall not bear/carry the name of God emptily.“  The idiom derives from the ancient practice of claiming ownership and was commonly used to brand slaves. The real issue here is a claim of ownership.

Truly one must not claim Jehovah as their covenant Lord and live as if they belong to false gods. “One will say, ‘I am the Lord’s’; Another will call himself by the name of Jacob; Another will write with his hand, ‘The Lord’s,’ And name himself by the name of Israel.” (Isaiah 44:5)  “You shall have no other gods before Me.” (Deuteronomy 5:7) Jehovah will not allow for dual allegiance (Colossians 3:5) It is God only or nothing!

Jehovah would have us to stand in awe of him. We must look up on heaven as His throne. We are to honor His word, and His people. Consider how you stand in relation to him. Have you made him your king? And, have you made fellowship with him all that matters?

By George Slover