One Final Look at the Epistle of Jude

“Now all glory to God, who is able to keep you from falling away and will bring you with great joy into his glorious presence without a single fault. All glory to him who alone is God, our Savior through Jesus Christ our Lord. All glory, majesty, power, and authority are his before all time, and in the present, and beyond all time! Amen.”- Jude 24-25

            Here are the final two verses of Jude’s letter. They come in the form of praise as Jewish correspondences often do. It should be noted that the letter ended the same way it began, with exhortation.  Another thing I’d like to point out is that though Jude spent the bulk of his letter warning his readers about falling away from the faith, in the end he praises God for his ability to keep them steadfast and secure in their faith. It doesn’t happen like magic, they must proactively seek God’s face daily and strive to live according to the standards he’s established throughout scripture. We must do the exact same thing today.

            Being vulnerable to various heresies and temptations, Jude’s audience was not only cautioned to know God’s word, but to live it out for others to see. Practicing what you believe helps us all retain those things which are most important and act as a shield of defense against those who would trip us up. Apostasy was and still is a real problem in the church today, so Jude’s opening line should be comforting. Unless you are determined to go your own way after having received Christ, God will not stop you. But if conversely you are determined follow the Lord regardless of what might befall you, then you shall be kept safe from deserting your faith. 

            The final two statements of Jude’s letter take the time to glorify God. It is said that we should spend far more time praising then praying. Praying is vital in the life of a believer, but even more important is lifting up the name of the one who makes all things possible. To jump right into praying for things, no matter how sincere and heartfelt the requests may be, is slightly presumptuous. No request is out of line, but taking the time to praise the one who created the stars and put them in their place only seems appropriate. It’s not that God won’t answer our prayers without praising him, it’s just the way we can show him the proper respect. That is what ‘fearing the Lord’is. Looking upon him with reverence, awe and respect. Jude has done well to end his letter this way. Jewish believers spend much time praising God. It would be to our benefit to follow their example. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing! rlkeller

Resources:  The Life Application Study Bible; NIV Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible and www.biblegateway.com.