Why is Jude so concerned in his letter? Why is he so compassionate and diligent in writing to his fellow Christians?

Because he loves them, and knows they are loved.

He writes, “But you must remember, beloved, the predictions of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (V. 17, ESV)

So, who do you love? Do you love the church? Your brothers and sisters in Christ?

We are called to love those within the body of Christ. Called to one another. This is the kind of Church Jesus left, and that Jude was a part of.

In Acts 4:32 we get a glimpse of how the Church functioned relationally. It’s recorded, “And the congregation of those who believed were of one heart and soul; and not one of them claimed that anything belonging to him was his own, but all things were common property to them.”

We don’t only share in the blessings, but we share in the suffering, and in that, there is a promise of comfort.

“For just as the sufferings of Christ are ours in abundance, so also our comfort is abundant through Christ” (2 Corinthians 2:15)

As the Church, or the Body, is purposefully designed and ordained, we share in each others burdens.

“So we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. We are to bear each other’s burdens, so that there is more than one shoulder under the weight of life. We are strengthened by one another and able to bear up under the weight of the suffering of this world.” (Romans 12:5)

Just as we don’t want one of our own body parts to be separated, or in anguish, we want what’s best for our loved ones, we want them to flourish and not suffer. To thrive, not just survive.

So what’s our call to action? How do we tangibly share in both blessing and suffering? How are we to be in unity and cooperation, in spite of our circumstances?

Remember.

Remember the predictions of the apostles of our lord Jesus Christ.

Have these truths deeply ingrained into your heart. Make these truths like pillars that you build on the foundation of faith that is Christ. That’s what compels us to action, not our good intentions or best efforts.

So what predictions, Jude?

Those of the apostles. The infamous 12, who walked and broke bread with Jesus. Who listened to and observed all the many things of Christ, so much that John stated the world couldn’t contain the amount of books. They were the ones who He first called, who experienced first hand miracle, after miracle. Our forebears of faith. The stewards of the gospel.

Jude calls our attention to them, for their first hand account of our Savior. He said he would bring salvation to man and fulfill ancient prophecy. He said he would be killed, and raised again. This would be their sign, that He is the Lamb of God, slain for their sins.

But these things all came true in their time. These were not predictions, but facts.

In the days of Jesus earthly ministry, and after his resurrection, the apostles learned about what was to be, in both their immediate future and our coming, present day and beyond. Most specifically, that things would get bad as sin ripens the earth. That the church should be quick to ministry and evangelism as the day for his return comes with the upmost expedience.

And that in all of this, we should have hope, for He is with us, and that, beloved, we have each other.

So remember, it may seem like the world is going crazy, and that things are getting really bad. We may recall better days, where we felt safer, more comfortable, and more hopeful. We may feel the weight of suffering and sin and struggle and division. These are all very real experiences and feelings. Yet, Jesus is still King of the Universe, and He will return, and that is even sooner than it was a second ago.

So have hope, beloved. Have hope.

Peace be with you.