Tuesday 7 April, 2015

5 Though you already know all this, I want to remind you that the Lord at one time delivered his people out of Egypt, but later destroyed those who did not believe. 6 And the angels who did not keep their positions of authority but abandoned their proper dwelling—these he has kept in darkness, bound with everlasting chains for judgment on the great Day. 7 In a similar way, Sodom and Gomorrah and the surrounding towns gave themselves up to sexual immorality and perversion. They serve as an example of those who suffer the punishment of eternal fire.

These days you don’t often hear hell fire and damnation preached in our churches.  Indeed there is not a lot of it in the New Testament compared to the positive teachings. But here Jude reminds them that almighty God delivered His people out of Egypt, (yes), but He also destroyed those who did not believe in the waters of the Red Sea. The rebellious angels are kept in darkness bound with chains until judgement day; and the immoral and perverted cities are to suffer in eternal fire.

Not nice.

Those who reject Jesus, and choose to live sinfully will not remain unpunished in the end. They are even now bound by chains and darkness. This is a very sobering concept. Not to be glossed over in our reading of the scriptures; but not to be dwelt upon in terror either. It reminds me that my choices in how I live my life matter. They matter to God and they affect my eternal destiny. I hope that in this world which is becoming more and more depraved, I can be like Lot, who remained holy. I hope the church continues to shine light into this darkness so people learn to fear our just and merciful God, and through Jesus, find life.

Gracious Lord thank you that you are a God who rescues us and gives us the right to belong to your own family through Jesus Christ. Thank you that we can walk through the sea and not be drowned because of your great love and faithful promises.

Written by Dimity Milne