Woe to them! They have taken the way of Cain; they have rushed for profit into Balaam’s error; they have been destroyed in Korah’s rebellion. These people are blemishes at your love feasts, eating with you without the slightest qualm—shepherds who feed only themselves. They are clouds without rain, blown along by the wind; autumn trees, without fruit and uprooted—twice dead. They are wild waves of the sea, foaming up their shame; wandering stars, for whom blackest darkness has been reserved forever.
Jude 1:11-13 NIV
Blemishes
The Canadian Dermatology Association estimates that patients aged between 12 and 24 make up more than 80 per cent of people living with acne in Canada. Nonetheless, acne affects people of all ages. Women make up roughly 75 per cent of all adult acne patients, according to the CDA. Despite the stereotype of the acne-riddled high schooler who worsens their skin condition by eating greasy foods and failing to properly wash their face, dermatologists like Dr. Monica Li say it’s not entirely clear why some people get one type of acne and not another.
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The world is filled with works-based religions. Most religious systems tell us that if we just do the right things, live the right life, act a certain way, God will be pleased with us and will welcome us. The Bible teaches us something altogether different. Jude deals with this in Jude 1:11-13: “Woe to them! They have taken the way of Cain; they have rushed for profit into Balaam’s error; they have been destroyed in Korah’s rebellion. These people are blemishes at your love feasts, eating with you without the slightest qualm – shepherds who feed only themselves. They are clouds without rain, blown along by the wind; autumn trees, without fruit and uprooted – twice dead. They are wild waves of the sea, foaming up their shame; wandering stars, for whom blackest darkness has been reserved forever.” Jude here calls us to fruitfulness. God is not impressed by noise, position or charisma. He is pleased with humility, obedience, and love. We need to take time today and ask, “Lord, am I walking Your way, or mine?”
These have been words from the heart.
Bob Beasley