“But you must remember, beloved, the predictions of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ. They said to you, ‘In the last time there will be scoffers, following their own ungodly passions.’ It is these who cause divisions, worldly people, devoid of the Spirit. But you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life. And have mercy on those who doubt; save others by snatching them out of the fire; to others show mercy with fear, hating even the garment stained by the flesh.
“Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy, to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen.” Jude 17-25
Jude had experienced division from the time his half-brother Jesus began His public ministry. And post-resurrection and ascension, he became acutely aware of the insidiousness of the enemy to disrupt the church set aflame by the Holy Spirit. Scoffers who stained their testimony with false teaching and sensuality did all they could to stem the growth. Only God was able to give clarity, and the will and courage to stay the course.
Many movements, ideologies, and evil spiritual powers work to divide people. Nations, communities, families are targets for intended factions, with little, if any, relief. The Word stands as steady plumb for truth and reason, and source of grace to meet the challenges. (2 Corinthians 10:3-5; Ephesians 6:10-12)
Where are we caught in the crosshairs of spiritual division? What part do we take: stirring up doubt or argument, or addressing falsehoods with truth, feistiness with calm, angst with peace? How can we be distinct and stem the proliferation of turmoil with Christlikeness? Rather than tossing more words, might we listen and earnestly pray?
“A mighty fortress is our God,
a bulwark never failing;
our helper he, amid the flood
of mortal ills prevailing.
For still our ancient foe
does seek to work us woe;
his craft and power are great,
and armed with cruel hate,
on earth is not his equal.
Did we in our own strength confide,
our striving would be losing,
were not the right Man on our side,
the Man of God’s own choosing.
You ask who that may be?
Christ Jesus, it is he;
Lord Sabaoth his name,
from age to age the same;
and he must win the battle.
And though this world, with devils filled,
should threaten to undo us,
we will not fear, for God has willed
his truth to triumph through us.
The prince of darkness grim,
we tremble not for him;
his rage we can endure,
for lo! his doom is sure;
one little word shall fell him.
That Word above all earthly powers
no thanks to them abideth;
the Spirit and the gifts are ours
through him who with us sideth.
Let goods and kindred go,
this mortal life also;
the body they may kill:
God’s truth abideth still;
his kingdom is forever!” ~ Martin Luther (1529)
Lord, help me meet division with grace and truth.
As the rain and snow 