Jude 1:1 (NIV): “Jude, a servant of Jesus Christ and a brother of James, To those who have been called, who are loved in God the Father and kept for Jesus Christ”
I have a lot of roles. I’m sure that you do too.
I am a son to my parents. I am a brother to both by brother and sister. I am “Dad” to four wonderful children. I am “Papa” to six amazing grandchildren. I am an uncle and cousin. I am a retired Army chaplain. I am a pastoral elder for my church. I am the Director of the Church Ambassador Network of Kansas.
My most important role is being a servant of Jesus Christ. In the above verse, Jude starts out by boldly proclaiming that as his primary role. I really like that. I wouldn’t mind if my epitaph reads, “David, a servant of Jesus Christ.”
Jude goes on to share other roles, both for himself and his readers. Jude is a “brother of James.” His readers are “those who have been called, who are loved in God the Father and kept for Jesus Christ.”
Those identities can help to define who I am, giving me confidence in how I approach life and how I relate to others.
I also find it amazing that Jude did not say that he was a brother of Jesus. He and his brother James both had Joseph and Mary as their parents. Jude chose to not elevate his status by sharing that fact. I think that Jude had a humility since he came to faith in his brother only after Jesus’ resurrection.
As I embrace the roles and identities that I have, I want everything to be under “servant of Jesus Christ.” Based on the Greek, it could have been translated “bond-servant” or “slave.” As I submit myself to Jesus as my Lord, I am giving up my rights and taking on the role of a low servant. Jesus can do with me what He wants.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for the example of Jude. May I also embrace as my primary role being a servant of Jesus Christ. In doing so, may I declare to all others in my life that Jesus is my Lord.
