Several years ago, my family and I visited the historic 16th Street Baptist church in Birmingham, Alabama. This church was bombed by the Ku Klux Klan on September 15th, 1963. As a result, four precious girls lost their lives. They, along with other followers of Jesus, arrived on Sunday morning for the 11 am service, for one purpose to sing, glorify, and worship the King of Kings, Jesus Christ.
I often reflect that while we focus on the racial component of these heinous acts, which are a reality. We often forget that this was immensely spiritual. I would argue it was Christian persecution of our brothers and sisters in Christ.
As I read Jude this morning, I was struck by this reality. God is never overlooking the evils of humanity or the persecution of His people. While at times it can seem evil is victorious, it never is. In fact, Jude gives example after example of what will become of those who pervert the grace of God into a license to sin. “I want to remind you that the Lord at one time delivered his people out of Egypt, but later destroyed those who did not believe (Jude 5).
While Jude dealt with false teachers, the church needed encouragement to press forward and contend for the faith, as they faced immense political attacks from Rome. Yet, when the spiritual attacks revved up, Jude encourages them, But you, dear friends, by building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life” (Jude 20–21).
Jesus is faithful this morning to keep us as well. You may feel pressed by the evil around you or even the attacks of false teachers, both physically and inside the church, against our true faith. Instead of losing hope, contend for the faith. Build yourself up in the faith, pray in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, show mercy, and proclaim Christ.
To him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy—25 to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen. ( Jude 24–25).
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