Jude 1:23-25 (NIVUK)
24 To him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy – 25 to the only God our Saviour be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and for evermore! Amen.
These lines are probably the most familiar bit of the book of Jude, often being used as a benediction, a wrapping up prayer of praise, at the end of a service. They also seem to be a good way of finishing our week looking at joy – in the NIV translation, this is the last time the word joy itself is used. Here, it describes the great joy to be found in our salvation – isn’t it wonderful to know that through Jesus we will be part of God’s glorious recreation, his put-right world to come! Isn’t it good to know that we too will have our flaws removed and faults repaired! And isn’t it amazing to know that we will be in God’s presence, face-to-face at last!
What other way can there be to respond, than Jude does – to God be glory, majesty, power and authority! Amen.
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