You Are Called, Loved, and Kept | Jude 1-2

Welcome to The Daily.

ESTHER: We will begin Esther next Monday. I have titled this one, FOR SUCH A TIME: Courage When God Seems Silent. Grab the Esther Journal now. If you are a Project23 donor giving $35/month or more, do not purchase one; we have already sent this to you in the mail.

Our text today is Jude 1-2

Jude, a servant of Jesus Christ and brother of James, To those who are called, beloved in God the Father and kept for Jesus Christ: May mercy, peace, and love be multiplied to you. — Jude 1-2

You will never contend for the faith well if you forget who you are.

Jude is about to confront spiritual corruption, false teaching, rebellion, and judgment. His letter will be direct. At times, it will be severe.

But he does not begin with the threat. He begins with identity. Just like Peter did. Before Jude tells believers what they must defend, he reminds them of what God has already done for them.

Jude introduces himself as "a servant of Jesus Christ and brother of James." That is extremely humble because Jude was also one of Jesus' earthly brothers (half-brother). He could have emphasized his family connection. He could have said, "I grew up with J.C., and I knew him before any one of you did."

Instead, he calls himself a servant of Him.

John 7:5 tells us there was a time when Jesus' brothers did not believe in him. They had proximity to Jesus, but proximity was not faith. Yet after the resurrection, Acts 1:14 finds Jesus' brothers gathered in prayer with the disciples.

Their understanding had changed; therefore, their relationship changed.

Jude no longer saw Jesus merely as the brother he knew. He recognized him as the Lord he needed to serve.