Hey Jude!

The book of Jude. It's short and sweet. Down at the bottom of the only chapter, Jude advises on approaching others, including those who doubt and those who need 'snatching ... from the fire' (Jude 1:23 NIV).

If this seems street-preachy-ish, it's not too far off that. Whether or not this method seems appropriate, the kind of outreach that requires a quick, urging approach shouldn't be cast away. Imagine 'snatching' someone from a literal fire. No second guessing or skirting round the edges. When we see someone flirting with spiritual/mental danger, our response shouldn't be one of waiting around. Now, this is not about standing on our nearest street corner with a 'The end is nigh!' sign. It's about praying for a chance to speak directly and immediately into people's lives. Sometimes, Jesus speaks so clearly that there's no need for opening lines, three-point sermons or even a coffee meet.

There are moments to 'arrest' someone who's putting themselves in danger right now and/or for eternity. In Mark 5:1-35, Jesus' responses to a sick woman and a demon-possessed man are quite different. The woman needed more space and gentleness, whereas the man wasn't going to listen to anything except a real in-the-moment truth. Heaps of discernment are very necessary, and prayer is key.



So what now? Read the book of Jude. Ask God to give you his discernment and wisdom for when someone needs to be 'rescued from the fire'.





— SCRIPTURE —

'Others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire.' Jude 1:23 NKJV
— SOULFOOD —

Josh 8:30-10:43, Mark 9:30-37, Ps 119:169-176, Pro 22:20-23