Rejoice in the Lord and Be Glad

In the book of Jude, we read of a future day so wicked and vile that God will come with thousands of his saints to execute judgment for all ungodly deeds. Jude prophesied men would be given over to their filthy lusts, becoming mockers, sensual, “foaming up their own shame” (Jude 1:13, NKJV). These would comprise a society of corrupt fornicators going after “strange flesh,” referring to pandemic homosexuality.

Today, America is not the only nation casting aside all moral restraint. The moral landslide is worldwide, and it is becoming very evident that Satan is retching the abominations of hell upon humankind. It is a time that we are warned in scripture, when the devil will try to seduce God’s elect.

Jude looked ahead into those awful, wicked times and saw something else, something most inspiring and miraculous. In the midst of all the immorality and mounting degradation, he witnessed a people “who are called, sanctified by God the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ” (Jude 1:1).

No matter how corrupt this world becomes in the days ahead — no matter how devilish the media, TV and movies become, no matter how much devil worship increases, no matter how far homosexuals force their agenda on society, no matter if the devil himself walks our streets — God is going to preserve his children. He is going to preserve for himself a sanctified, holy people. He will keep them from the wicked one, and they will become strong in faith and devotion, while the ungodly race toward destruction.

Hear the word of the Lord. “Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it” (1 Thessalonians 5:23-24).

David said, “For the Lord loves justice, and does not forsake his saints” (Psalm 37:28) and “You shall keep them, O Lord, you shall preserve them from this generation forever. The wicked prowl on every side, when vileness is exalted among the sons of men” (Psalm 12:7-8).

Let this prayer of the apostle Paul be yours and mine in the evil, troubled times ahead: “The Lord will deliver me from every evil work and preserve me for His heavenly kingdom” (2 Timothy 4:18). Rejoice! God has covenanted to keep and preserve those who fully trust him.