Threefold Blessing: Jude 1:2
“1) Jude, a bond-servant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James, To those who are the called, beloved in God the Father, and kept for Jesus Christ: 2) May mercy and peace and love be multiplied to you.” ‭‭Jude‬ ‭1:1-2‬
Though I put verses one and two together, I want to focus on verse two. Jude pronounces a threefold blessing on believers; “May mercy and peace and love be multiplied in you.” I point out that they are multiplied and not merely added. Walking with Jesus has a compounding affect. These blessings become greater and greater as we deepen our relationship with Him.
By contrast, Jesus made a tragic observation about those who do not belong to Him. In John 10:10 He noted that “the thief comes only to steal, kill and destroy…”. This could be considered a threefold curse. Jesus ends verse ten by saying; “… I came that you might have life, and might have it abundantly.” He wants to multiply His blessings in our lives.
When Jude 1:2 and John 10:10 are placed next to each other the contact becomes very clear. Satan works to destroy and tear down while Jesus works to heal and build up.
Not every non-Christian will be broken and miserable in this life. Satan can give false security and multiply worldly pleasures, but the end are ways of death away from the presence of God for all eternity. Satan always has his eyes on the end game.
Make no mistake, the mercy, peace and love mentioned in Jude 1:2 are rooted in the very character and nature of God. These qualities do not abide in the evil one. The spirit of anti-Christ greatly cheapens and distorts these qualities. He gives just enough of his cheap counterfeits to numb the souls of his followers.
As the small letter of Jude unfolds, he warms about false workers with evil motives. They creep in among Christians to spread the poison of deception and promote sinful passions. They come to steal, kill and destroy.
I urge you to embrace Jesus Christ and walk in His ways. It will not be without trials, but He promises to multiply His mercy, peace and love in our lives.
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global