JUDE 1:1-2‬

As the short book of Jude unfolds, we have an equally short introduction. For background, there is some question as to who Jude was in terms of his relationship to James. He may have been his cousin, his brother or even his son according to the original language. But what is important is that there is no question in his mind about who he was to Jesus. This is significant because James’ epistle starts the same way. Jude also notes his purpose. He has a longing for continued benefit in God’s relationship with those who call themselves Christians. In this day as in Jude’s a struggle for many to access God’s blessings was the ever creeping idea of complacency. Jude’s introduction of himself as a slave to Christ also serves as an introduction to his attitude about blessings and inheritance, mainly that they require a sense of fealty and commitment to grow into true opportunity and ever expounding blessings such as peace and love. As he begins, he starts there. We must assume the stance of a disciple. We must walk into a relationship with Christ with a new definition of purpose and identity, rather than relying on old relationships, accolades or affiliations to define us. This will bring the blessings we feel entitled to.