By Pastor William Y. K. Brown Ph.D
(Resident Pastor)
Seventh-day Adventist Church
Osu-Bethel.
Tel: 0244165628/0243310773.
wykbrown@gmail.com
GEMS FOR MEDITATION AND PRAYER
THEME FOR THE WEEK: INSPIRATION FOR FAITHFULNESS IN JUDE
SUNDAY
THEME: ACTIONS OF GOD: CALLED, SANCTIFIED, AND PRESERVED
SCRIPTURE: Jude 1:1
“Jude, a bondservant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James, To those who are called, sanctified by God the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ:”
REFLECTIONS
This week, we shall take inspiration from the Epistle of Jude to the believers. Jude introduces himself to us as a bondervant of Jesus Christ and a brother of James, who was one of the siblings of Jesus, as found in Matthew 13:55 and Mark 6:3. Jude is the shortened form of Judas or Judah. He became a believer and follower of Christ after His resurrection. During Christ’s ministry, he did not follow Him. He could have been one of Jesus’ siblings calling Him when He addressed the multitude (Mark 3:21, 31- 35). At that point, Jesus redefined who His brother, sister, and mother were.
To God be the glory that Jude, like James, became a believer and imitated Christ. The joy and beauty of salvation is that God picks His people at any point in their lives and transforms them into precious jewels. Jude is a clear example of what the Holy Spirit does. He patiently works on the hearts of the doubting and provides them with evidence to believe in the ministry of Jesus Christ for humanity. As believers, we have equally experienced the convicting influence of the Holy Spirit. Therefore, we have hope, for our past is forgiven, and we have eternal life to gain.
In the opening address, Jude mentioned three meaningful experiences from the Lord when we heed His invitation. First, he writes to “those who are called.” To be a Christian is a calling to be a saint (Romans 1:7), a call from the Lord who loved and died to save us. This call is the most important you will ever receive. Paul described this as an upward call – Philippians 3:14, “I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” It is a call we have to strive to keep and maintain daily. He intimates again in 1 Corinthians 1:26, “For you see your calling, brethren, that not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called.” Consider your calling as a unique favor and privilege.
Second, Jude says those called are “sanctified by God the Father.” Following our calling, the Father sanctifies and sets us apart for a holy purpose and use. We are sanctified for good works and privileged to exude righteousness. Jesus prayed that we would be sanctified by the truth (John 17:19). Paul explains, 1 Corinthians 1:2, “. . . to those who are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all who in every place call on the name of Jesus Christ our Lord . . .” Praise God we are washed, sanctified and justified (1 Corinthians 6:11). Hebrews 2:11 reveals,
“For both He who sanctifies and those who are being sanctified are all of one, for which reason He is not ashamed to call them brethren,” The Father sanctifies us, and we remain Christ’s.
Third, we are “preserved in Jesus Christ.” Our Lord will also preserve us because we have been called and sanctified. Paul’s prayer is our hope – 2 Timothy 4:18, “And the Lord will deliver me from every evil work and preserve me for His heavenly kingdom. To Him be glory forever and ever. Amen!” To the called, sanctified, and preserved, Jude pronounces apostolic blessings on you: “Mercy, peace, and love be multiplied to you.” – Jude 1:2.
MY SONG OF COMMITMENT
SDAH 180 – “O Listen to Our Wondrous Story”
LET US PRAY
– Praise and thank God for His actions in your life; thank Him for calling, sanctifying, and preserving you; pray to remain sanctified in Him;
– Pray for believers who are not living as Christians; pray for the faithful to remain committed to the Savior;
– Pray for the Gospel to be preached in unentered areas; pray for those who are in the valley of deciding for Christ; pray for pregnant women, lactating mothers, and proper upbringing of children;
– Pray for the nation to seek after righteousness; pray for relief for the suffering and the impoverished; pray for the sick, the mourning, and the depressed.
