Jude is another one chapter book, and it’s written by another of Jesus’ step-brothers, although it’s possible that, because of the way the Greek language uses the term “brother”, he might have been a cousin. But like James, he doesn’t claim this blood-relation connection with Jesus. He is satisfied with identifying himself as a servant of Jesus Christ.

This book is another epistle, or letter, and its intended audience is the church in general, not a specific church.

It’s amazing, isn’t it, how a letter written about 2,000 years ago sounds so current?

Jude talks about the importance of standing up for the faith. Never has it more important to do that than it is today, when Christianity is under attack every time you turn around. I’ve heard it said that Christianity is always only one generation away from extinction. If we don’t stand up, if we don’t share our faith with the next generation, there will be no one to share the Good News of a Risen Savior.

But of course we know that God has promised to always have a remnant in each generation, so that won’t happen. But that does not take away our responsibility to heed what Jesus said just before he ascended into Heaven. “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 So you must go and make disciples of all nations. Baptize them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. 20 Teach them to obey everything I have commanded you. And you can be sure that I am always with you, to the very end.”

This is the great commission. This is the job he gave to each of us. He didn’t say to do this when it is easy, or convenient, or politically correct. There was no opportunity given for a way out of doing everything we can to accomplish the job. We must do what Jesus said.

And Jude spoke, as others did, about false teachers. But here, Jude talked about those who abuse God’s grace and excuse sexual sin. Doesn’t that sound familiar? Today they say, “How could a loving God condemn me for who I love? This is the way He made me.” Which addresses the point Jude made about how they “do what comes naturally to them”.

Listen, it might “come naturally” to me to have multiple women. But that is not God’s plan, and I chose to follow God’s teaching about marriage and I am joyously faithful to one wife.

Jude encourages the believers to remain in God’s love. To pray with the leading of the Holy Spirit and to live lives that please God, and praise Him for who He is, and praise Jesus Christ our Lord.

Jude’s message was written to the early church, and the church of today, without a doubt.

What do you think?