As we entered our study of the book of Jude, we began by recognizing that Jude referred to himself as the “bond-servant” of Jesus Christ and brother of James rather than the half-brother of Jesus that he really was. Today we discover to whom Jude addresses his words, and we find it in verse one where he wrote:
Jude, the servant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James, to them that are sanctified by God the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ, [and] called:
Notice there are three words Jude uses to describe his readers: sanctified, preserved and called. We shall begin with the first: “sanctified”. What does it mean to be “sanctified”? The Greek word used is “hagiazo” which means “to render or acknowledge, or to be venerable or hallow;to separate from profane things and dedicate to God; to purify.” In other words, it means to be set aside for a holy or pure purpose, and notice to whom they are set apart by “God the Father”. Is it not interesting that Jude refers to his readers in this manner? These to whom he writes have been “set apart for holy use” by God the Father. Just like the instruments that were used in Solomon's temple of old, Christians have been “set apart” for holy purposes.
Secondly, Jude refers to his readers as those who are “preserved in Jesus Christ”. The word employed by Jude here is the Greek word “tereo” which means “to attend to carefully, take care of”. Not only does Jude say that his readers are set apart by God for holy use, but they are also “taken care of” or “attended to” by Jesus Christ. In other words Jesus Christ is watching over them and guarding them. When we acknowledge Jesus as our Lord and Savior, we place ourselves in no greater hands with which to care for us.
Finally, Jude is writing to those who are “called.” The Greek word used here is “kletos” which means “called to or invited to” like as with a banquet. There has been an invitation to those who would follow after Jesus Christ. Jesus said “For many are called, but few [are] chosen.” (Matthew 22:14) God's “call” goes out to “whosoever”, and it matters not what a person's background, creed, color, gender or race is. It doesn't matter what has been done in our past, nor does it matter how terribly we have destroyed our lives. God loves us, and He has made a provision for anyone who will accept His Son Jesus. We must acknowledge our sin (missing the mark of perfection) and simply ask God to forgive us, cleanse us and turn us away from our sinful lives. The Heavenly Father continues to call today, and once we receive the call to come to Him, God “calls” us into service within His kingdom.
So, prayerfully, we all are those to whom Jude writes: sanctified, preserved and called, and if not, as the scripture says, “now is the day of salvation.” (2 Corinthians 6:2) It's as easy as acknowledging your sin, asking God for forgiveness, believing that Jesus Christ died on the cross to pay the price for your sins, and believing in your heart that God raised Him from the dead which gives promise to your eternal life as well. If you know Him, welcome to Jude's audience, and if you don't know Him, won't you received Him today, and you too will be the sanctified, preserved and called?
Next time we will take a look at three blessings that Jude expresses to his readers, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.
Until tomorrow...there is more...
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