The Met. Office have done well to warn us all toi expect the worst. As it hasn't turned out as bad as the Great Storm of 1987, they will be pleased to avoid being criticised, which seems to be the name of the game!
But this hurricane, like all hurricanes, has been given a name. This one has been named Jude, and it will be followed, alphabetically with a female K. Do you remember Katrina, that devastated New Orleans?
But who was Jude?
He wrote a brief letter to early Christians, and that is found as the next to last book in the New Testament, just before the Revelation to John.
Jude was a brother of James, one of the leaders of the Jerusalem Church, and a brother of Jesus. 'This letter is from Jude, a slave of Jesus Christ and a brother of James.' (Jude 1) (It is Paul who tells us that James was a brother of Jesus. 'The only other apostle I met at that time was James, the Lord’s brother.' (Galatians 1.19))
Jude's aim in writing his letter was to help the growing Christian communities to weather the storms of conflict and heresy that were sweeping through many churches. Rapid growth often results in shallow roots. So Jude's closing words focus our thoughts and praises on God, for God alone can keep us stable in challenging times. 'Now all glory to God, who is able to keep you from falling away and will bring you with great joy into his glorious presence without a single fault. All glory to him who alone is God, our Saviour through Jesus Christ our Lord. All glory, majesty, power, and authority are his before all time, and in the present, and beyond all time! Amen.' (Jude 24-25)
This is a prayer we could use for ourselves and others who are facing a battering in these days. God can keep us from falling, bring us into his presence, without a single fault! That is great news.
Best wishes,
Richard
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