Upon Further Review; Jude

The first thing I re-noticed about Jude is the focus on ungodliness (used 6 times in the short letter, but described in great detail throughout).  One of the ironies that I experienced as I read through Jude a few times a few times in a row is how beautiful and poetic this scathing epistle is.  It condemns, rebukes, and judges ungoldly people and their behavior with the lilt and flow of an expert sonnet.  The 'triads' of Jude (that were discussed at length in the original study) enrich the argument with precision and beauty.  It just seems that the Lord used a very creative, poetic individual to pen this epistle.  It really is a work of art.

But aside from the aesthetic character of the epistle, the section that grabbed my heart was the last portion (titled 'Direction and Exhortation' in the original outline).  Especially verses 20-21;

Jude 20-21 (ESV)
20But you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, 21keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life.

After hammering on the character and behavior of the ungodly, Jude offers direction for the believers.  We are to build each other up in faith, pray in the Holy Spirit, keep each other in the love of God, and wait for the mercy of Jesus.  Jude reminds us to go back to the basics; faith, prayer, the love of God, and hope.  Hang on these in times of trouble and persecution. 

I would love to dig into this passage more....maybe a sermon some day? 

I was greatly encouraged by this review through Jude, and I'm thankful to the Lord that He used it in my heart in a different way than the first time through.