October 8, 2014
PURPOSEFUL, FEARLESS WAITING
Jude 14–25
Jack Mechem
Central Truth
While awaiting Christ's return, we have work to do with fearless hearts.
Key Verse | Jude 21
[K]eep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life. (Jude 1:21)
Jude 14–25
14 It was also about these that Enoch, the seventh from Adam, prophesied, saying, “Behold, the Lord comes with ten thousands of his holy ones, 15 to execute judgment on all and to convict all the ungodly of all their deeds of ungodliness that they have committed in such an ungodly way, and of all the harsh things that ungodly sinners have spoken against him.” 16 These are grumblers, malcontents, following their own sinful desires; they are loud-mouthed boasters, showing favoritism to gain advantage.
A Call to Persevere
17 But you must remember, beloved, the predictions of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ. 18 They 1 1:18 Or Christ, because they said to you, “In the last time there will be scoffers, following their own ungodly passions.” 19 It is these who cause divisions, worldly people, devoid of the Spirit. 20 But you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, 21 keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life. 22 And have mercy on those who doubt; 23 save others by snatching them out of the fire; to others show mercy with fear, hating even the garment 2 1:23 Greek chiton, a long garment worn under the cloak next to the skin stained by the flesh.
Doxology
24 Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy, 25 to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time 3 1:25 Or before any age and now and forever. Amen.
Dive Deeper | Jude 14–25
Waiting . . . I don't mean waiting in line at the store or waiting in rush hour traffic. I'm talking about waiting for something big; an answer to a prayer, the results of an election, a baby, a diagnosis, a college acceptance letter.
Waiting on an unknown outcome is hard. For me, I remember the nine months of waiting for babies. An emotional roller coaster ride with peaks of excitement and valleys of fear, entwined with loops that had me wondering what to think and a persistent plea that everything would work out as expected. The difference between an amusement park ride and a pregnancy, though, is that the track did not return to the same place. Things were destined to be different, but I didn't know where we would stop. Would the destination be filled with joy and happiness, or pain and difficulty?
While waiting, the fear of an unforeseen outcome was a hindrance. I could have used that time in preparation and anticipation, but instead I wasted it on fear. Praying for God's guidance and wisdom, painting a nursery, or reading a parenting book would have been much more productive and beneficial.
The beautiful thing about waiting for Christ's return is that I know where the ride ends and what to expect! Eternal life will be granted to me (Titus 1:2), my sins will be forgiven (Luke 24:46-47), I will be healed (1 Peter 2:24), and I will live in Paradise with Jesus (Luke 23:43). There is no need or justification for fear of earthly things with this guaranteed future!
Daily, I need to live my life in thanksgiving for what is to come and not frozen in fear of uncertainty. Authentic gratitude is evidenced by three "to-dos" from Jude. First, I am to pray, staying close to God. Second, I am to show mercy to doubters and those in need of salvation. Lastly, I have a call to save others by snatching them out of the fire. It is the least I can do, given the eternal life that awaits.
Discussion Questions
1. What do you tend to do while waiting for something big?
2. What tasks are you avoiding because of fear?
3. Are there people in your life who need to be snatched from the fire? How will you get them out?
4. How can you show mercy to someone who has doubts about the truth of Jesus Christ?