Reading for December 14th

Read Jude 1.1-13. In verse 1-2: Letter opening. Jude is a servant, not a slave but a figure of very high status such as Abraham, Moses, and David (Ex 32.13; 1 Sam 17.23). If brother of James (Acts 12.17; 15.12), then Jude would be a kin of Jesus. He addresses no geographical church, which suggests that this is a general letter that could be read in any church. In verses 3-4: Enter heretics. Jude writes because certain intrudrs are abroad whose false doctrine (deny our only Master and Lord) lead to immorality (pervert the grace of God in licentiousness). He finds it necessary to exhort the addressees to contend for the faith that had delievered to the disciples in its fullness. He appeals, then, to the antiquity of an immutable tradition. In verses 5-7: Refutation. Jude cites three examples of divine judgement: Although God saved a people, God later destroyed those who proved unfaithful. Similarly, although many angels remained faithful, God imprisoned the angels who strayed. Sodom and Gomorrah illustrate divine judgment on immorlaity. Henece, if the intruders deny the sovereignty of God to judge, these examples rebut that error and serve as proof of the coming judgment. In verses 8-9: What could be worse? Jude claims that these intruders accept no laws concerning the body (defile the flesh) and respect all authority, even that of the angels who assist God's judgement. he cites an obscure document, the "Assumption of Moses," in which Michael the archangel confiremed God's sovereignty: the Lord rebuke you. This proves useful in support of the tradition about the Day of Judgement, which the intruders deny. In verses 10-13: Precedents of punishment. Just as three biblical examples of deviants brought judgment: Cain, Balaam, and Korah. In legend Cain exempilifed godlessness and envy; Balaam was willing to lead Israel astray and curse it (Num 22); Korah typified ambition and rebellion (Num 16.1-35). Besides accusing the intruders of parasitical coruption, they are compared to fleeting, empty natural Phenomena such as waterless clouds, uprooted trees, wild waves, and wandering stars. Their instability makes them perilous guides. Comments or Questions..