This week let's see if we can have a little fun recapping my sermon from the book of Jude a couple of Sundays ago.
Once upon a time, a group of daring brothers in Christ decided to set out on an adventure to connect with God and each other. They had to decide what kind of adventure it would be. One of them, who grew up in Colorado, suggested that they go on a camping trek. The others thought that was a great idea. As they prepared for their adventure they gathered their gear, which included a tent, a compass, and a first aid kit. Little did they know that each item they packed would relate to a discussion they would have about the book of Jude as they trekked through the wilderness.
As they walked they began talking about how they had all experienced some opposition to their faith in the past year. Sometimes from people they knew and other times from a total stranger.
As they set up their campsite, one of them unfolded their tent. It was a tall, sturdy structure that provided shelter and protection against the elements. While they sat in the tent that night they realized the tent was a lot like faith. Just as the tent shielded them from the wind and rain, faith was their spiritual refuge, protecting their hearts and minds from doubt, uncertainty and attacks from those who did not understand their relationship with Jesus Christ.
Night fell, and under the starry sky, another one of them was holding a compass in their hand. He commented about how the compass needle always pointed north, guiding them in the right direction. One of the other adventurers said it reminded him of prayer and how it could be their spiritual compass. Just as the compass guided their physical steps, prayer guided their hearts and minds, ensuring they stayed on the path of righteousness and remained connected to their Heavenly Father.
In the midst of their camping adventure, one of them fell and tore up his knee. They had to stop and pull out their first aid kit. As they patched up his knee they talked about the similarities between the first aid kit and mercy. Just as the kit provided relief to physical wounds, mercy brought forgiveness and life to a soul that was destined for death and judgment. They also discussed the importance of both receiving and extending mercy, fostering forgiveness, compassion, and support for those who stood contrary to what they believed. They came to the realization that in order to receive mercy from God and show mercy to others, they must first humble themselves before God.
Once the friend was patched up they continued their journey. One of them picked up a sturdy walking stick from the forest floor. It became a trusted companion, providing balance and stability on the rugged terrain. They realized that the walking stick symbolized God’s guidance. Just as the stick supported their physical steps, they acknowledged that the presence of their Savior, Jesus Christ in their life was guiding them through life's challenges, preventing them from stumbling, and leading them towards their ultimate destination. They paused and gave God the praise He so rightly deserved and worshiped Him right there in the middle of the trail.
As their journey came to an end, they realized that their camping adventure had become more than just a physical experience. It had become a spiritual pilgrimage, where they discovered the simplicity and power of faith, the importance of prayer, the healing nature of mercy, which was all tied to the strength of leaning on God to hold them strong in their walk and how it was all tied together in the praise and worship of a God who loved them enough to give His life as a ransom for their sins. .
From then on, their camping gear became more than just equipment. They became symbols of their remarkable journey. A journey that would forever shape their lives and draw them closer to Jesus Christ their Lord and Savior.
And so, with hearts full of gratitude and souls enriched by their experience, they packed up their camping gear, knowing that the lessons they had learned would continue to guide them through life, long after this adventure had come to an end.
Where are you on your adventure with Jesus Christ? Are you sheltering in faith, being guided by prayer in The Spirit, living humbly in mercy, and being held up by the God who deserves your praise?
Hope your adventure is incredibly exciting and fulfilling, drawing you closer to the heart of GOD!!
Jude 1:17-25
Pastor Sean