Let Me Not Wander

Jude, a servant of Jesus Christ and brother of James, To those who are called, beloved in God the Father and kept for Jesus Christ: (ESV) The introduction to the short book of Jude. He identifies himself as James' brother. Most likely the James who was a disciple. He also identifies himself as a servant of Jesus Christ, something that we all should do. Maybe we should begin signing our letters that way. He then addresses this letter to "those who are called" to "those who are beloved in God the Father" and to those "kept for Jesus Christ". Of course, he piles these three ideas together into one group, but look at them separately. You have been called. Therefore, you have a calling, a purpose for which God has chosen you. You are beloved by God the Father. That is an amazing statement if you try to wrap your mind around it and soak it in. You are kept for Jesus Christ. Your continuance is founded in the person of Jesus Christ. Keep these things ...

Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate. (ESV) Lets not stop with a few arrows, lets fill our quiver. Anyone who would say that it isn't good to have lots of children can be quickly silenced by this passage. Let me end this chapter's commentary by saying this: Children are good. In fact they are great! They are a blessing to any family. That blessing isn't figurative, they will bless you in ways that will make your family better and stronger.

Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one's youth. (ESV) Ok. Imagine a warrior (an archer, more specifically). Imagine this archer all geared up and ready for battle. Now, imaging that this archer has no arrows. He has the quiver. He has the bow. Everything else is ready to go, but no arrows. Now, imagine that same archer, except that there are arrows in his hand. How does that change the picture? Children do change the picture, and according to the psalmist, in a similar way that arrows change the picture. Sure, you can still be a warrior without the arrows, but with the arrows (and a bow) you have added potential in a battle. You are no longer just a foot soldier. You can begin fighting long before the enemy makes its way to you. Children do a similar thing. They are part of a well-formed family and add to the families potential.