JUDE 1:24-25: “Now to him who is able to protect you from stumbling and to make you stand in the presence of his glory, without blemish and with great joy, to the only God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, power, and authority before all time, now and forever. Amen.” CSB
OBSERVATION: Have you ever wondered if you were going to make it? Am I going to make it through school? Am I going to make it through my career? Am I going to make it through retirement? No matter what stage of life we find ourselves in, we all wonder – “Am I going to make it?”
This is also true about our Christian walk of faith. We face battle after battle. In the midst of the battles we forget the joyous victories that we have already experienced. And, in these moment of weakness we wonder – “Am I really going to make it?”
Jude, in his short letter, warns us of false teachers, reminds us of our call in Christ, and gives us this blessed assurance – “You are going to make it!” And, the wonderful discovery of this truth is – making it does to depend upon me. It rests fully upon Him!
- “Now to him who is able to protect you from stumbling and to make you stand in the presence of his glory, without blemish and with great joy…”
Note that the text does not say – “Now to the one who through their hard work and effort…”. Rather, it says – “Now to Him who is able…”. And, who is this who is able? It is Jesus Christ our Lord! He is able to protect us from stumbling. He is able to lead us in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. He will lead us into the very presence of the throne room of God, without blemish, and with great joy. He will do it!
God is more invested in our sanctification than we are. He sent Jesus to die for our sins, to seal our pardon, and to reestablish us in peace with God. And, He sent His Holy Spirit to teach us, guide us, and to daily change us and mold us into the very image of His Son Jesus Christ. No wonder Paul proclaimed,
- “What then are we to say about these things? If God is for us, who is against us? He did not even spare his own Son but offered him up for us all. How will he not also with him grant us everything?” Romans 8:31-32 CSB
Jude begins his letter with these words.
- “Jude, a servant of Jesus Christ and a brother of James: To those who are the called, loved by God the Father and kept for Jesus Christ. May mercy, peace, and love be multiplied to you.” Jude 1:1-2 CSB
We are called, loved by God the Father, and kept for Jesus Christ. Peter proclaims,
- “You are being guarded by God’s power through faith for a salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.” 1 Peter 1:5 CSB
And, Jude prays – “May mercy, peace, and love be multiplied to you.” How can we not make it with all of this? How can we not walk in blessed assurance of His mercy, love, and peace each moment of our life. If God did not spare His only Son, but gave Him freely for us all – will He not also give us all things that pertain unto life and godliness? The answer is – HE WILL!
He will never leave me nor forsake me. If I simply place my full trust and confidence in Him, He will guide me along the path of His calling and destiny for my life. I don’t have to rush it. I don’t have to worry. I don’t have to try and make it happen. I simply have to trust and obey. I am in process – but I will make it!
Lord, thank you for reminding me this morning that You are more interested in my life than I am. You gave Yourself freely so that I could be restored in fellowship with You. As I trusted Jesus Christ as my personal Savior and Lord, so help me trust You in every step that I take. Give me a heart that desires Your will and the blessed assurance that –
I AM GOING TO MAKE IT!
In Jesus Name!
