By: Elizabeth Haarberg

Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking this SoundCloud link. 

I don’t think I’ve ever read the book of Jude. Do you know how many chapters Jude has? One. And wow, does Jude say a lot in a short period of time. Jude is discussing people who claim to be Christians but who live the opposite, perverting the way Jesus instructed.

“For certain men have crept in stealthily [gaining entrance secretly by a side door]. Their doom was predicted long ago, ungodly (impious, profane) persons who pervert the grace (the spiritual blessing and favor) of our God into lawlessness and wantonness and immorality, and disown and deny our sole Master and Lord, Jesus Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One).”
Jude 1:4, Amplified Bible, Classic Edition

Some clarity on this verse, it does not mean we are on a hunt to find people who fit this description; it is a guide to know who we are dealing with based on very specific criteria that God gives us. Not everyone we meet who says they are Christians are followers of Jesus. I have been duped in my life by a few people who pulled the wool over my eyes and I’m sure you have also. The challenge when this happens is recognizing that this is an individual, not a representation of Jesus. There are many accounts of people who no longer believe in Jesus because of their experience with someone who claims they are a Christian but are not living like they are. Our faith is not dependent on how others decide to live their lives; it is dependent on how Jesus lived out His life when He was here.

What’s our part in this situation?

^“Guard and keep yourselves in the love of God; expect and patiently wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah)—[which will bring you] unto life eternal.”
Jude1:21, Amplified Bible, Classic Edition

“[Strive to] save others, snatching [them] out of [the] fire; on others take pity [but] with fear, loathing even the garment spotted by the flesh and polluted by their sensuality.”
Jude 1:23, Amplified Bible, Classic Edition

Stay close to Jesus, let God’s love be your protection and pull who you can out of the fire. Pray for everyone you meet, not knowing who can be rescued by God.

Copyright Family of Christ Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado