Do you ever name drop?
Often times, it is easier to get by in life when we are connected with a
powerful or influential person. It has
often said, “It’s all who you know.”
Many people consider name-dropping to be bad form, especially in the
meritocracy that is the United States.
Still, there is power in the practice of name dropping, and we even see
it in the New Testament.
The penultimate book of the New Testament, the Epistle of Jude, which only takes a minute or two to read in its entirely is rarely preached upon. Perhaps due to its brevity and perhaps do to the controversy that is has followed it all the way from the first century. Whether or not one finds the content of Jude controversial, it can’t be denied is that this little epistle says a whole lot with very little words (less than 700 of them…in an English translation).
The penultimate book of the New Testament, the Epistle of Jude, which only takes a minute or two to read in its entirely is rarely preached upon. Perhaps due to its brevity and perhaps do to the controversy that is has followed it all the way from the first century. Whether or not one finds the content of Jude controversial, it can’t be denied is that this little epistle says a whole lot with very little words (less than 700 of them…in an English translation).
The greeting alone tells a deep story, “Jude,
a bond-servant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James.” Jude identifies himself as a brother of the
famous James, known throughout history as “James the Just.” James was the
leader of the church in Jerusalem, a close associate of Peter, and is
understood to be the author of the Epistle of James. That’s a pretty big name to drop.
In addition to James, Jude has another
famous (half) sibling that he mentions in the greeting of his epistle…Jesus
Christ. Although Jude is the younger
brother of Jesus he does not list himself as such. Instead, he identifies himself as a “bond-servant”
of Jesus Christ. Jude doesn’t drop the
name of Jesus as his brother; he drops the name of Jesus as his savior. In doing so, Jude shows humility and a deep
respect for the authority of God.
Jude continues this theme (in verse 9) in
recounting a dispute between Michael the archangel and Satan. In this dispute, Michael does not dare
pronounce a judgment against Satan, but instead declares “The Lord rebuke
you!” That’s the biggest name anyone can
drop.
Lord,
let us boast and take pride in You alone.
Help us to remember that you are a very present help in trouble.
Praise you that there is no other name by which we must be saved.
Help us to remember that you are a very present help in trouble.
Praise you that there is no other name by which we must be saved.
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