THE 4 R’S

 September 15 

Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to make you stand in the presence of His glory with great joy.  Jude 1:24

In Jude 1:17-25, the half-brother of Jesus exhorts us as believers to master four essential “R’s” in order to make a difference for Christ in these perilous yet opportunity-filled days.  We must master REMEMBERING (vv. 17-19) that we are living in the last days before Christ returns for His church.  Secondly, we must master REMAINING (vv. 20-21) or continuing in God’s love, Word and will by constantly building ourselves up in His Word (vs. 20a), praying in cooperation with the Holy Spirit (vs. 20b) and expectantly watching for Jesus’ return (vs. 21b). 

The third “R” we need to master is RESCUING (vv. 22-23).  Jesus Himself said, “I am the way and the truth and the life.  No one comes to the Father but through Me” (John 14:6).  This is the message we need to share everywhere as spiritual rescuers.  Jude’s fourth “R” is RESTING (vv. 24-25).  The resting here is trusting, relying and depending on the power and promises of God in regards to our salvation.  When God gives eternal life, it is just that – eternal not temporary!  We can never save ourselves or keep ourselves saved, BUT God can and will if we believe and trust Him, allowing us to rest with assurance in our awesome all-wise Savior!  

Jude begins his letter by challenging us as believers to “contend earnestly” or defend the faith of God’s Word in these days of spiritual deception and apostasy.  He closes by giving us the “4 R’s” of how to do it.  Can God count on YOU to make a difference for Him today?  I trust that He can! 

Bob Kulp