Wednesday, December 07, 2011

Exposition of Jude: Part 25 of 25


Note: This is the last in an occasional verse by verse commentary through the book of Jude. Past commentaries may be read under the “Jude Exposition” label below.

Jude 1:25 To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.

Now in this final verse Jude makes explicit the name “God” but he quickly adds in apposition “our Saviour.” This essentially affirms the deity of Christ as God. The all-wise Father is praised alongside the Saving Son.

Four things are attributed to the Lord:

1. Glory (doxa). In OT Hebrew word is chabod, weightiness. God is heavy. He is not to be handled lightly. His name is not to be thrown about on the wind. We are not to take his person or his nature casually.

2. Majesty (megalosune). He is a king. How would you enter the presence of a king? Would you come in open collar and torn jeans? Would you sit on a stool or bow on your knees?

3. Dominion (kratos). Do you acknowledge his lordship? Is he ruling and reigning over your life? Is there evidence of his dominion over your life? Ships bear the colors of the nations whose dominion they are under. Does the banner of Christ hang over your life?

4. Power (exousia). This word might also be rendered as authority. When you’ve a decision to make who is your authority? Your nation? Culture? Your parents alone? What of God’s authority over you?

Jude ascribes all these things in this benediction to our Lord. But each has implication for his subjects. They are praise to him and lessons for us.

Finally, there is the duration signature: “both now and forever. Amen.” This praise goes on and on and on….

Reflections:
• How does Jude 25 affirm the deity of Christ?

• Meditate on each of the four qualities attributed to God: glory, majesty, dominion, and power.

• Consider that praise to God will never end. Will you praise him both now and forever?

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