Caution, Danger Ahead
This summer in these weekly emails, I intend to continue exploring the sweet little book of Jude. The book of Jude contains an incredible sense of urgency. Imagine receiving a text from a neighbor casually asking how you and your family are doing, then the next thing you know, they are at your door yelling, “Get everyone out of the house, I saw smoke, your house is on fire!”
Jude begins his book with a tone of comfort, but that does not last long as he shifts to warning about imminent danger…2 May mercy, peace, and love be multiplied to you. 3 Beloved, although I was very eager to write to you about our common salvation, I found it necessary to write appealing to you to contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints. 4 For certain people have crept in unnoticed who long ago were designated for this condemnation, ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God into sensuality and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ. (Jude 1: 2-4)
Jude uses “mercy” as a verb here, an action that flows from God's prior action of mercy shown to us. Have you ever tried to warn someone you love that they were on a dangerous path? We do this with strangers when we blink our headlights when a deer is on the road. We are trying to warn them that they could get hurt if they are not careful. It is appropriate for us to warn others about the danger ahead. The primary word used in the New Testament for biblical counseling, Noutheteō (Greek), is often translated as "admonish" or "warn." It literally means "to place before the mind." It implies telling someone about something they need to hear in order to help protect them before it is too late. The Apostle Paul encourages us to patiently and helpfully counsel others, 14 And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone. (1 Thessalonians 5:14 NIV)
Surprisingly, one of my favorite quotes comes from the outspoken atheist Penn Jillette, of the magician duo Penn & Teller. In his video blog, he once explained why he is not offended when people attempt to share the gospel with him. He said, “If I believed, beyond the shadow of a doubt, that a truck was coming at you, and you didn’t believe that truck was bearing down on you, there is a certain point where I tackle you. And this is more important than that.” This is a powerful image, isn’t it? Sometimes it is understandable and even necessary to do something awkward in order to care for the well-being of others.
I get the sense that this is what Jude is doing here in the opening few lines of this book. He starts with the confession that he originally wanted to keep things comfortable, but he is so concerned for the faith of his fellow believers and their spiritual well-being that he will go to any length to take care of them.
Expectantly,
Shawn
