God and His People

"Jude, a servant of Jesus Christ and brother of James, To those who are called, beloved in God the Father and kept for Jesus Christ" (Jude 1.1)

This opening section contains a significant theological understanding about who is God's people. The author who identifies himself as Jude the brother of James maintains that believers are called by God. This notion reminds us about Israel who is elected and called by God to be his people. And now the author implicitly states that the church is God's people and therefore she needs to keep herself from sin and preserve herself in holiness because this is their calling in God.

What is more, our author also speaks not only about holiness of believers' live but also God's love in Jesus' followers because both important and inseparable respects are fundamental in understanding God. Those who understand that God demands holiness will recognize that there is no way one can avoid his judgment and justice; however, it will be unbalanced when we see him only as the righteous judge, because he is also the loving Father, the one who shows compassion, kindness, and grace in human lives. 

Interestingly, at the end of this opening letter Jude talks about Jesus Christ as one who has a key role in the believers' live. It is important to be noticed that Jesus is the one who is able to save us from God's punishment and who is shown God's love in our lives. This is the reason that he is worthy to accept the honor, glory, authority and worship from all creations including from his people. On the other hand, early church should be aware regarding Jesus' teaching about the church that is described as a bride who waits for her bridegroom; it is possible that Jude reminds his hearers about the hope that we have in him, namely eternal fellowship with Christ our Lord and savior.

Why do we need to remember about God's calling, his love, and our true hope in him? What Jude says basically helps us remember the most basic element in following Christ. There is only one orientation in Christian lives namely to have the true fellowship with God in Christ. To do this, we have to live in righteousness and love God wholeheartedly. Have you thought what is your main purpose of life? what is your goal in your daily life? Is God is the most important thing in your live?