17 July; Jude:8-16

Jude 8-16

Jo said that Jesus loves us. I asked how do you know? It is that special encounter, the experience and the entrenched relationship and salvation we have in Christ.

Jude:11 showcase the 3 rebellions by Cain, Balaam and Korah.
 Woe to them! For they walked in the way of Cain and abandoned themselves for the sake of gain to Balaam's error and perished in Korah's rebellion.
(Jude 1:11 ESV)

Cain give to God, but it is not the giving but the obedience. Jesus loves us, and it is not giving that show our love for God. It is obedience. How? Obey that holy spirit prompting and act accordingly.

Balaam refuse to curse God's people but suggest the enemies to do so. Jesus loves us, then watch our words and check our hearts.

Korah rebell against the authority of Mosses. Jesus loves us, and He has put authority over us. respect and obey.

 These are hidden reefs at your love feasts, as they feast with you without fear, shepherds feeding themselves; waterless clouds, swept along by winds; fruitless trees in late autumn, twice dead, uprooted; wild waves of the sea, casting up the foam of their own shame; wandering stars, for whom the gloom of utter darkness has been reserved forever.

(Jude 1:12-13 ESV)

Hidden Reefs - danger , as contrast to Jesus - our refuge and our stronghold
shepherds feeding themselves - fail to take care, as contrast to Jesus our shepherd and our provider
waterless clouds - hopeless, as contrast to Jesus our hope and our eternal salvation
fruitless trees - barren, as contrast to Jesus who is our branch to which we produce much fruits
wild waves - untamed, as contrast to Jesus who calm the sea, our peace
wandering stars - useless, cannot be good for navigation, as contrast to Jesus who give us a purpose

We know who Jesus is when in contrast to Jude: 12-13. But are we acting like Cain, Balaam and Korah?

Our heart set the desire that brings about the action for us to grow deep, to want that encounter with Jesus.

I speak for myself. It is not the head knowledge, I pray that I will not be like Cain, do what the bible or God say so without obedience. Jesus, let my heart be right with you, saying and acting in sync, not the knowledge but the wow in you that I desire.

I pray, so that I know that Jesus loves me, not because the bible says so, but I know because I have taste and see that He is good. Amen.