Who Do You Say? Reading With the People of God #19নমুনা

Final Warning

Today’s passages give us examples of why we need to study and know what the scriptures actually say and mean. In Job 11, we read Zophar’s reply to Job. Zophar is one of Job’s three friends who dialogue with him. His words to Job are harsh, and his assessment of what Job should do a bit incorrect. Zophar is stating Job’s suffering is because he sinned. He tells Job, if he would just repent all will be restored and his life will be even better than before. Job was not claiming to be sinless, rather he was stating this calamity was not the result of a sin.

Job’s friend may have been harsh, Jude however, addresses a much more serious problem than a well meaning friend. Jude gives a strong warning and description of those who come with evil intentions. These men are undermining the truth, they are ungodly in what they say and do. "Woe to them", as he describes their character. "They have taken the way of Cain; they have rushed for profit into Balaam’s error; they have been destroyed in Korah’s rebellion." (Jude 11 NIV)

Note how Jude begins the warning about these men; they have secretly slipped in among you. As we read this chapter, it is as if Jude is addressing issues in our churches today. We can see this happening with divisions, twisting of the truth, and challenging the Word and authority of God.

Jude encourages us with a call to action. In these last days know scripture, the teachings of our Lord Jesus Christ and the apostles. We are to build ourselves up in the faith, pray, and keep ourselves in the love of God as we wait. He instructs how we should behave towards one another. With those who question, show mercy, with those falling away, rescue as one being pulled from a fire. There is urgency in his words as we contend for their eternal lives.

The letter concludes with a beautiful praise to God our Savior Jesus Christ. The One who is able to keep us. Jesus is always with us, His Holy Spirit is in us. He presents us before His glorious presence with great joy now and forevermore.

Primer contributed by Laurie Harry, believer in Jesus Christ