Jude 1:17-25 (NRSV)
Read Jude 1:17-25 on biblegateway.com
Verse 17But you, beloved, must remember the predictions of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ; Verse 18for they said to you, "In the last time there will be scoffers, indulging their own ungodly lusts." Verse 19It is these worldly people, devoid of the Spirit, who are causing divisions. Verse 20But you, beloved, build yourselves up on your most holy faith; pray in the Holy Spirit; Verse 21keep yourselves in the love of God; look forward to the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life. Verse 22And have mercy on some who are wavering; Verse 23save others by snatching them out of the fire; and have mercy on still others with fear, hating even the tunic defiled by their bodies. Verse 24Now to him who is able to keep you from falling, and to make you stand without blemish in the presence of his glory with rejoicing, Verse 25to the only God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, power, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen.
Devotion
My cousin Bill taught me about engines. I was always intrigued by the motion of the pistons: the movement of a piston on one side of the engine block lifts another piston up on the other side. What a metaphor for the Christian community! So many times have I been lifted up by someone else: sharing their faith; telling an encouraging story; supporting me in my doubt; being another part of the body of Christ, lifting me back into place.
Prayer
God, help us to rely on one another and encourage one another, working together in love. Amen.