Scripture

“Now to him who is able to keep you from falling and to make you stand without blemish in the presence of his glory with rejoicing …” Jude 24

Reflections

Jude ends his letter with a beautiful benediction, calling God the One “who is able to keep you from falling.”  But how can that be true?

Paul writes in Romans 3:23, “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”  We know this all too well.  Though the Holy Spirit strengthens us to resist sin at times, we still stumble.  No matter how determined we are, our human weakness shows itself again and again.

If God is able to keep us from falling—and yet we fall—does that mean he allows it?  In a sense, yes.  God does not shield us from every temptation, nor does he force obedience upon us.  He allows us to sin, not because he delights in it, but because even in our failure, his mercy shines brighter.

It is often in the darkness of our sin that we come to see most clearly the light of his grace.  Our weakness reminds us that we stand before God not by our own strength, but by his love.  Though we have no right to claim his favor, he chooses to see us as blameless through Christ.

So, we still persevere in good, despite our human failings.  We give thanks to God when he gives us the strength to resist temptation.  We praise him for his mercy and love.

Prayer

Lord God, thank you for your mercy.  Strengthen me by your Spirit to walk in faith, resist temptation, and to trust in your grace when I fall.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Full Reading: Jude 24-25