Jude 1:20-21

“But you, beloved, build yourselves up on your most holy faith; pray in the Holy Spirit; keep yourselves in the love of God; wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life" (Jude 1:20-21 RSV).

Question:

The reason this scripture made me want the perspective of Unity is the line that states, "wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ." I understand that we all have a Christ being, and Jesus showed us the perfect example, but why must we seek mercy from Jesus? This statement, along with others in the Bible, seems to support the long standing belief that Jesus is a God separate from us humans, and we are at his mercy. How can that be if Jesus the man is transitioned through death? Are we still seeking approval and mercy of God and/or Jesus?

Comment:

But the passage doesn't say we seek mercy from Jesus. It says we are to "wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ." In other words, we are to stay strong in our faith, remain aligned with the Holy Spirit, and know that our spiritual unfoldment will express as the mercy demonstrated through the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. This brief letter, reputedly written by a younger brother of James and Jesus, was intended to warn against teachers who were perverting the message of the Gospel. We don't know what the exact issue was, but the author is clear that it is only by holding steadfast in love—after the example of Jesus Christ—that we can achieve the new consciousness that is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessings!

Rev. Ed