Finally, after all these years, I get to do a solo. Jude consists of just one chapter. It may be shorter than the Beatles song of the same title. It is the fourth shortest book in the New Testament, after Philemon, 2 John and 3 John.

The purpose of this book is to address false teachings and completely improper guidance being spread by “…certain men whose condemnation was written about long ago who have secretly slipped in among you” (verse 4). Jude calls these people heretics (shepherds who feed only themselves, clouds without rain, wandering stars for whom blackest darkness has been reserved forever). Seems pretty amazing that people were falling for what they were selling. But, then again, flash to current times, and how many people are falling today for whatever skewed message (I can do it all myself, one god is as good as another, “it’s all good”, he who dies with the most toys wins) that is being served up to them?

Jude re-states what the apostles had predicted, “In the last times there will be scoffers who will follow their own ungodly desires” (verse 18). Jude’s book appears to be an appropriate lead-in to Revelation, when he calls on his brothers in Christ to stand strong, build up their faith and keep themselves in God’s love, as they wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring them to eternal life.

Jude also tells the readers of his letter to be merciful to those who doubt and snatch them from the fire and save them. That’s our call to spread the Good News and be more deliberate in our efforts to “snatch and save” in our own sphere of influence, or maybe even reach outside of our sphere of influence.