Beloved, although I was very eager to write to you about our common salvation, I found it necessary to write appealing to you to contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints. Jude

Jude set out to write one thing and changed course mid-sentence.

How many times have we set out to do what we believe to be the right thing and suddenly changed our minds?

Here is why it happened for Jude.

 Jude, a servant of Jesus Christ is how his short and least read letter begins.

As servants we are told to spread the gospel throughout the whole world. But Jude’s letter isn’t sent out to the whole world, “To those who are called” is who Jude sent his letter.

In this WWW arena blogs are sent out to all who may read freely, called and lost alike.

Beginning with obedience of faith one might intend to share the gospel and find yourself hearing a command to change course because the Lord knows who is listening and who needs a word of either correction or encouragement.

I don’t know who needs to read Jude, that short single chapter, meant for the saints but so infrequently read, but my Lord does.

Just a note here, this isn’t about what you want, it is about our Lord’s intentions for a saint or two or more.

Romans 15:1-5 English Standard Version

The Example of Christ

We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. For Christ did not please himself, but as it is written, “The reproaches of those who reproached you fell on me.” For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus,

If I am being honest it was difficult for me to live up to the example of Christ. He is perfect and I am not.

When I came to a deeper understanding of His life in the earthly ministry that He performed I began to understand how important His alone time with the Father was in His performance.

John 7:17 If anyone’s will is to do God’s will, he will know whether the teaching is from God or whether I am speaking on my own authority.

John 8:28 So Jesus said to them, “When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am he, and that I do nothing on my own authority, but speak just as the Father taught me.

John 5:30 I can do nothing on my own. As I hear, I judge, and my judgment is just, because I seek not my own will but the will of him who sent me.

That is the example of Christ.

When I replace His Word with my own judgment, I am not walking in the light.

John 4:24 God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.