Hey Jude

There are few books of the Bible as short and pointed as Jude. It is interesting for lots of reasons. One has to do with the discussion of authorship. Who is Jude? Who is the James which he identifies as his brother? Like most ancient literature numerous theories abound. Some argue that the letter is from a later time period and engages in the common practice of pseudonymity (writing in the name of a famous figure from the past to give the writing more authority). While disturbing to a contemporary mind (we tend to ignore that lots of books have ghost writers, that politicians have speech and letter writers, that bosses have secretaries, etc.) in ancient times many books are obviously written using this literary device.

Others think Jude actually wrote the letter and that James, the brother of Jesus and leader of the church in Jerusalem, is his actual brother. A very good case can be made for that position. In such a case, this letter is quite amazing.

Scholarly debates about time and place and authorship are always, at best, unprovable theories, however compelling and reasonable. With that in mind, the more significant reason to read Jude is the content of the letter. Jude is concerned both with doctrine and behavior. In many circles one is led to believe that doctrine is a barrier to real faith (does this drive the 'spiritual not religious' crowd?) and that Christians ought to pay little heed to dogmas and teaching. It is telling that even in the very first group of Jesus' followers there were some who no doubt adopted such an approach. The letter of Jude is a stunning rejection of such a position. In large part this is because, as Jude makes crystal clear, doctrine produces behavior. Much of the current debate in my Episcopal church is very much about doctrine and morals/behavior. The traditional beliefs, expressed succintly by Jude, are under attack.

Jude says that he is writing to those who are called, who love God and are kept by Jesus. This threefold identification (so often the Bible writes in threes) remains a wonderful description of the church today. God initiates things, we respond, hence the term 'called.' The fundamental relationship with God is love. Jesus says that summarizes the law: Love God. If we are called to love, God's response, in Christ, is to save. The image of Jesus 'keeping' [safe] His children is best expressed in the Good Shepherd. We are in His care, this gives us hope, especially when it feels we are in danger.

Jude is frustrated, he wants to write about the shared salvation he enjoys with this church. He wants to accent the positive, but circumstances make it impossible. There are men, fake Christians, who have 'snuck in' and seek to mislead the church. His words resonate in our own time. "They are godless men, who change the grace of our God into a license for immorality and deny Jesus Christ our only Sovereign and Lord."

Wow!!!!! Reading these words this morning, my stomach gave a twist. Such words cannot be spoken in the "Church of Toleration and All-Things-New." Such words are derided as hateful and judgmental. Yet, they are spoke by someone recognized in the early church as speaking with apostolic authority. Someone closely related to the first bishop of Jerusalem and related to the Lord Jesus Himself. Is it possible that such a person had so terribly misunderstood the Savior that he wrote in error? Is it possible such writings were collected and revered by evil men seeking to oppress and harm others, people who hijacked the church in the earliest times and led it, in error, to say the opposite of what Jesus intended? I think not. These words, harsh as they are, are a reflection of the mind and heart of Jesus, they are revelation of God Almighty Himself.

There are many who being nicer-than-God reject the unique status of Jesus. They say things like "He is our way to God" or "He is a way, but God has other ways." Many say Jesus is a great man and teacher, but merely that. They deny Jesus our ONLY sovereign and Lord. What was true from the beginning is true now. Inside the church there are those who do not believe.

There are many who being "more-up-to-date-and-kinder" would claim that Jesus means freedom. They talk about "advances" in understanding and advocate an "improved" morality. In the end, it sounds like license, the same problem Jude addresses almost two thousand years ago.

Yes, the more things change, the more they stay the same. As much as many of us would love to withdraw from the debates, God's Word just draws us back in. We need to be aware that the godless have always been among us, that those who deny Jesus or 'reform' (de-form) morality through license wil always be with us. True Freedom is freedom to worship Jesus and live in obedience. The call of God, the call to love, can and will transform us into His image. Grace leads to righteousness, holiness and obedience. And God provides the means in Christ.