Have you read the letters that Jesus’ brothers wrote? James and Jude – wow!
Talk about a tough childhood! Can you imagine being the younger brothers of – quite literally – the most perfect son that ever lived? “I see you got an A- in conduct. You’re not like Jesus huh?” Or maybe, “You call this a clean room? You should see Jesus’ room!” How about, “Aww. Look at you trying to get everyone in line to taste the new wine — that Jesus just made out of water.”
Yes, that would have been hard. Yet, they probably adored their brother. They brought their mom to see him during His ministry – not that it worked out too well! But, I suppose they were probably close to their mom when Jesus was arrested and crucified. Maybe they were some of the first ones Jesus visited after he was resurrected.
So maybe that explains the tone of their letters. Both are pretty straightforward and to the point! Jude is the most concise: stop using grace as a reason to continue in sin. James touches on several topics, the most famous being that works are evidence of your faith. You see, Jesus’ brothers knew what it was like to question the Savior status of Jesus. So they understood the need to stop taking the cross for granted – their own flesh and blood had died for them.
Regardless which one you choose, the next time you’re feeling like you’ve got this whole “living for Jesus” thing packed in a nice convenient box — read James or Jude or both. Submit yourself to, not only the Savior part of Jesus, but also the King part! Jesus isn’t satisfied with you to simply avoid sin and rejoice in grace. No.
Jude 1:22-23 says, “… have mercy on some, who are doubting; save others, snatching them out of the fire; and on some have mercy with fear, hating even the garment polluted by the flesh.”
Wow. Here are your instructions from Jude: be a merciful evangelist — seriously? That’s a tall order that I’m just not sure I’m able of even trying.
James 1:21-22 says, “Therefore, putting aside all filthiness and all that remains of wickedness, in humility receive the word implanted, which is able to save your souls. But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves.”
Aww man! Here is what James tells us: get rid of the rest of that sinful stuff in your life that you kept from the start … and then get off the couch and start actually doing what you’ve been commanded to do!
That’s really tough – I’m still “putting aside” things I’ve struggled with for more than 40 years. And I have a nice sofa – and church pew.
What about you? Are you ready to stop sitting on the sidelines? How many people have you actually brought to Jesus in your lifetime besides family members? Are you satisfied with that? Is God?
Stop inviting people to church and (when they don’t come) say that you did everything you could. Is that going to be your parting remarks as they receive their sentences to eternity in Hell?
I wish I was just preaching to you – my dear friend. But, actually, I’m preaching to myself more than any readers of this blog. Pray for me. Please. I’m hoping to begin my “merciful evangelist” role soon – I need focus, strength and courage. Again – please pray. I’ll fill you in on the details as they happen.