For a description of the (Y2) reading plan, see the “About” page.
Jude 1
How does Jude describe the false teachers? What does he tell the Christians to do? Pray his doxology (v. 24-25). First let me say that the similarity of Jude’s letter to the second letter of Peter, which we just read, amazes me. Jude addresses the same issue of immoral people bringing corruption into the church in the name of freedom in Christ. He uses many of the same Old Testament examples in pointing out the error and consequences of their chosen way. And he gives the same exhortation to persevere in the true faith. This is, in fact, an issue that is addressed throughout the New Testament scriptures. When I think about it, even Jesus’ twelve chosen apostles show us that there will always be those among God’s people who choose to betray His truth. We would do well to heed this warning.
One other little interesting thing I want to mention is another one of those little details I have never really paid attention to before. Enoch was the man listed in the Old Testament genealogies who never died. God simply took him because he lived a righteous life. Jude points out in his letter that Enoch was the seventh in the line from Adam. Yup – there’s that all important number seven again! It seems that Enoch was more than just an anomaly in the genealogy of mankind. Not that I understand the depth of the significance, mind you, but being aware is a good first step.
Is. 33-34
Isaiah 33:5-6 are hope in the midst of judgment. What does it mean that God will be “the sure foundation for your times”? God’s justice and righteousness are a consuming fire for the unjust and unrighteous. “Who of us can dwell with the consuming fire?” (From Is. 33:14). The next verse gives the answer. “Those who walk righteously and speak what is right” (Is. 33:15a). The trouble is that we know from scripture that none of us are righteous. So who, then, can dwell with our righteous God?
“Look on Zion, the city of our festivals; your eyes will see Jerusalem, a peaceful abode, a tent that will not be moved” (Is. 33:20a). The festivals weren’t mentioned for no reason here. Those festivals, which God mandated to be held in Jerusalem, are a great big road map of God’s provision for us, an unrighteous people, to dwell with Him, our righteous God. Thus, Isaiah is telling us that we need to look to God’s provision in order to escape the wrath of His justice. “For the LORD is our judge, the LORD is our lawgiver, the LORD is our king; It is He who will save us.” (Is. 33:22).
God saves us from our enemies, yes. But far more importantly, God saves us from His wrath. He is, in fact, the only one who can save us. That is why He is the sure foundation, “a rich store of salvation and wisdom and knowledge” (From Is. 33:6). And the key that gives us access to this “rich store”? Fear of the LORD. To summarize all of this into one simple analogy, God’s righteous judgment is an earth consuming storm. But there is safety in the eye of the storm.
Ps. 110
How did Jesus apply this kingly psalm to Himself? See Matthew 22:41-46. Jesus used the first verse of this Psalm to show that the promised Messiah was more than simply David’s son. The fact that Messiah is both David’s son and David’s Lord speaks of His eternal nature. The Pharisees, to whom Jesus was speaking, would have been familiar with this Psalm. So they would have been aware of the mention of Melchizedek, which also speaks to the eternal nature of Messiah.
I don’t know what the Pharisees believed or thought they knew about this Psalm, but Jesus used it to tell them that their knowledge of Messiah was both limited and skewed. Though Jesus never directly pointed this verse to Himself, I think they somehow picked up that implication. To acknowledge what Jesus said, however, would have been to admit that they were wrong and accept who Jesus was. Sadly, for most of them, their pride simply wouldn’t allow that.