As we celebrate Memorial Day, a day we remember those who paid the ultimate price, their life, to serve and protect our nation while serving in the military, it draws my attention to our Lord, who gave His life so that we can be saved (Romans 4:25). We discover these words in John, “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13). I’m grateful for every man and woman who gave their lives in service to our country and all the more for Jesus, whose death allows us to be a part of God’s forever family.
There’s a beautiful doxology found in the final couple of verses in the Book of Jude. A biblical doxology is a short segment of Scripture praising God and extolling His glory. Doxology means “word of glory.” We read, “Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of His glory with great joy, to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen” (Jude 24-25).
Jude ascribes all glory, majesty, dominion, and authority to God as he reminds us of what God is doing for us believers as we wait for Christ’s return. He clearly writes that there is only one God. Further, the one true God has acted redemptively as our Savior by dying in our place for our sins, delivering us the gift of eternal life (Romans 6:23). Jesus is the mediator through whom all who trust in Him can give praise to God.
The church, God’s forever family of believers, praises God through Christ by living for His glory while serving He who is more significant than all (majesty). Our God’s reign has no boundaries and rules over all of creation. Thus, Jude’s doxology acknowledges the praiseworthiness of God, who is as gracious as He is magnificent. This is our God who wondrously receives the praise of His people.
God is eternal, with no beginning or end, and at this very moment into the unforeseen future is our great and faithful King. He keeps believers secure. He keeps us blameless and from stumbling. This doesn’t speak of our present perfection, but God’s sustaining us as we’re being perfected, awaiting Christ’s return when the work within us will be finished (Philippians 1:6). This is who our God is, what He is currently doing as we await Christ’s return, and why it is so good to remember Him and His marvelous work.
I hope you have a great Memorial Day. Remember those who gave their lives so we can live free. Remember the One who gave His life so that we can live eternally free. Soli Deo Gloria (Glory to God Alone)!