2026 Jan 11 - Morning Sermon Reflection: Our Identity in Jude's Greeting
Sunday Worship Reflection: Our Identity in Jude’s Greeting
Location: Langley Canadian Reformed Church
This morning’s sermon drew our attention to a part of Scripture that I often rush past—the opening greeting of a letter. In the Book of Jude, just a few short verses set the tone for everything that follows. Today I was reminded that in God’s Word, nothing is filler. Even a greeting is rich with meaning and spiritual depth.
Before Jude warns the church about false teachers or urges believers to contend for the faith, he begins by grounding them in who they are before God. And in doing so, he also reminded me who I am.
1. Who Is Jude? — A Servant of Jesus Christ
One of the most striking points in the sermon was Jude’s self-description. Jude was the half-brother of Jesus. He grew up with Him, lived under the same roof, and yet he does not introduce himself that way. Instead, he calls himself “a servant of Jesus Christ.”
This challenges me deeply. If I had to summarize my identity in one sentence, what would I say? My profession? My family role? My achievements? Or would I, like Jude, say first and foremost that I am a servant of Jesus Christ?
Scripture reminds us that we are not our own—we were bought with a price (1 Corinthians 6:19–20). The sermon made it clear: being freed by Christ also means belonging to Christ. Our lives now have a purpose—to serve our Master.
2. Who Are We? — Called, Loved, and Kept
Jude describes the recipients of his letter with three powerful words: called, loved, and kept. This is not only true of the original readers, but also true of us today.
What stood out to me is that this identity is entirely passive. It is not about what we have done, but about what God has done for us.
- Called — God did not merely invite us; He brought us into His kingdom.
- Loved — God’s call flows from His love, not our worthiness.
- Kept — Our security rests not in our grip on God, but in His grip on us.
The hymn quoted in the sermon kept echoing in my heart: “He will hold me fast.” In a world filled with uncertainty and confusion, this assurance is deeply comforting.
3. What Enables Us to Submit to Christ’s Lordship
Jude wrote this letter because the church was in danger. False teachers had crept in, promoting a distorted idea of “freedom”—a freedom that rejected submission to Christ, particularly in moral and sexual matters.
What struck me was Jude’s pastoral wisdom. The answer to spiritual drift is not merely stronger rules or louder warnings, but a deeper grasp of God’s mercy, peace, and love.
When our hearts lose sight of God’s mercy, we resist His authority. When we forget the peace we have with Him, obedience feels burdensome. When we doubt His love, we seek fulfillment elsewhere.
True submission to Christ flows from knowing how merciful God has been to us, how complete our peace with Him is, and how deep His love runs.
4. The Lord’s Supper: A Living Reminder
Today we also celebrated the Lord’s Supper. Holding the bread and the cup, I was reminded once again that I have been bought at great cost. I stand at peace with God because of Christ’s sacrifice. I am loved beyond measure.
With that reminder fresh in my heart, submitting to Christ’s lordship no longer feels forced, but fitting and joyful.
May God continue to root us deeply in our true identity—called, loved, and kept—so that we may stand firm in the faith, contend for the truth, and live under the gracious lordship of Jesus Christ until He returns.
Amen.
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