Jude 1:24-25
Verse 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.
We have come to the end of our Advent season and the days that follow. As we look forward to the Second Advent we set our hearts on what He is desiring to do in, through and for us. Just as the First Advent was meant to draw God’s people’s attention to the One He was sending for our redemption, the Second Advent is drawing our attention to His return to take us to our eternal home.
When a Christian loved one is nearing death we take comfort in their going to heaven to be with Jesus. It doesn’t take away the hurt of their leaving but it gives a sense of comfort knowing we will see them again and will be able to spend eternity joining together in praise to the Almighty. This isn’t true when we say good bye to one we know isn’t a Christian. An atheist friend or relative is grieved harder because we know they aren’t leaving this earth for Christ’s presence. It hurts knowing what is awaiting them for eternity.
Our verses today are a benediction given by Jude, who knew Jesus like only a few knew Him. Having Jesus as a half-brother couldn’t have been easy, growing up knowing your parents wished you were more like your oldest brother who literally never did anything wrong would have been pretty annoying. But this knowledge of Jesus the man gave Jude a perspective of Jesus as God. While Paul talked about Jesus being blameless, Jude had witnessed it since his birth.
Jude had seen Jesus go from the boy who never did anything wrong to the man who embarrassed his siblings for being so righteous. He had watched Jesus go from being a relatively normal boy to being a man who did extraordinary things. He had watched as his brother had gone from fullness of life to death of a criminal, and then he had seen the risen Lord and his view of his brother totally changed. He came to understand his brother was God in the flesh. That had to be a big piece of information to swallow.
Jude shows with this beautiful benediction that he knew Jesus to be the One who secured heaven and holiness for His chosen followers. He keeps us from stumbling and presents us with joy to His Father. He is the only one who can present us blameless before the throne of God, who alone deserves all praise, glory and honor. May He be our joy for today, tomorrow and into eternity.
Making It Personal
How does it make you feel knowing Jesus is going to present you with great joy, without a blemish, to the Father? Are you looking forward to heaven? Do you find joy in Christ?
Making It Personal Kids
Why do you think Jesus can present you to God without blemishes? What does it mean to you that Jesus is before all ages, now and in the future? What do you think heaven is like?
Closing Prayer
Father, we can’t thank You enough for Your promise of an eternity with You. Help us know what it means to live a holy life and to find our joy in You and You alone. In Jesus’ name, amen.
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