Jude, a servant of Jesus Christ and a brother of James: To those who are the called, loved by God the Father and kept for Jesus Christ. May mercy, peace, and love be multiplied to you. (Jude 1-2)

He went to his hometown and began to teach them in their synagogue, so that they were astonished and said, “Where did this man get this wisdom and these miraculous powers? Isn’t this the carpenter’s son? Isn’t his mother called Mary, and his brothers James, Joseph, Simon, and Judas? (Matthew 13:54-55)

When evening came, he was reclining at the table with the Twelve. While they were eating, he said, “Truly I tell you, one of you will betray me.” Deeply distressed, each one began to say to him, “Surely not I, Lord?”… Judas, his betrayer, replied, “Surely not I, Rabbi?” “You have said it,” he told him. (Matthew 26:20-22,25)

You are the called.

You are the loved.

Love consists in this: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins. (1 John 4:10)

You are the kept.

My sheep hear my voice, I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one will snatch them out of my hand. (John 10:27-28)

We can hold on to Him because He holds on to us.

Reflection Question: How does the truth that God is holding on to you bring you hope and confidence?