Though you already know all this, I want to remind you. (Jude 5)
When my boys were young, they often responded to any request with a tired, “I know, Dad.” “You need to clean your rooms before you can play video games.” I know, Dad. “Be sure to grab your lunch from the kitchen counter before you leave.” I know, Dad. “I left each of you a hundred-dollar bill on your dressers.” I know, Dad . . . wait, what!? No matter how much we know, or think we know, we often need to be reminded again. In this section, Jude wanted to remind his readers of some amazing, and surprising, acts of God.
Jude’s readers would have been familiar with the examples he used from the Old Testament and other Jewish writings, even the more obscure ones. Jude used these examples to show the punishment that the false teachers in their midst would also receive. His readers knew the “bad guys” in these ancient stories, therefore Jude encouraged them not to be fooled by these false teachers. I can imagine his readers nodding along in agreement while quietly saying, “I know, Jude.” While we may know both what is right and how we should act, we often need to be reminded why we should choose the right path. The good news of God’s redemptive work in Jesus is far greater than any other news.
The gospel of Jesus is good news!
Mark Moore PhD is an associate professor of theology at William Jessup University and the spiritual formation pastor at Faith Legacy Church in Sacramento, California.
© 2023 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.
