Asides

January 2
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Uncategorized Aside

“I am the Living One; I was dead, and now look, I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades.” (Revelation 1:18, NIV)

I was reminded of the importance of keys when I had asked a neighbor to enter our house while we were away. He couldn’t get in, though, because I had neglected to give him the keys.  Because he didn’t have the house keys, he was unable to help.

The book of Revelation reminds us that because of the Living One, the grave has been robbed of its victory; the death has been deprived of its sting.

As disciples of the Living One, we need not fear death or punishment for our transgressions because He holds the keys.  Therefore, death cannot keep any of us down; nor can Hell keep any of us in.  – Luther  

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December 31
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Uncategorized Aside

“To him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy — to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen.” (Jude 1:24-25, NIV)

Jude’s benediction — his letter’s final words — are a fitting close to this year.

There are things we’ve done this year that we wish we hadn’t done; there are opportunities we’ve left unexplored, but we need not despair: It is Jesus alone Who is able to present us to the ultimate Judge “without fault and with great joy.”

None of us knows what the New Year holds, but we need not despair: He is able to keep us from stumbling, both now and forevermore! – Luther

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December 30
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Uncategorized Aside

“Dear friends, although I was very eager to write to you about the salvation we share, I felt compelled to write and urge you to contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to God’s holy people.” (Jude 1:3, NIV)

Jude encourages all followers of Jesus — past, present, and future — to “contend for the faith.”

I do not believe it to be accidental that he chose the positive, as in contending for; instead of the negative, as in contending against. The truth is this: We can go either way, but as it concerns the faith we hold dear let us be forward looking, optimistic, and proactive.

To “contend” means to strive for a particular goal or objective. We contend for the faith when we make choices that are consistent with our profession, and embrace those choices with confidence and joy.  – Luther

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