I visit people in the hospital as a pastor and friend. Sometimes there are signs all around the rooms, and often patients wear a bracelet identifying them as a “Fall Risk.” From what I understand, now they even have sensors on the beds that sound when a “Fall Risk” patient tries to get out of bed without assistance. When in weakened conditions, patients don’t always think clearly and or realize there isn’t enough strength to walk without falling.
At the very end of Jude’s letter is a doxology – an expression of praise to God. The first praise Jude expresses is for God’s ability to keep us from falling. “To him who is able to keep you from falling …- to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen. [Jude 24-25 NIV]
God is able to keep us from falling. Yes, He is! The problem seems to be that I often try to do it on my own rather than depend on God’s ability. Remember the warning Paul gave in 1 Cor 10:12-13? “So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall! No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear.” [NIV]
When my children were very little and I would try to keep them from the everyday “disasters” of toddlers and preschoolers, they would often get miffed and yank their hand away and yell, “ME DO!” Ah, Lord, I think that is when I get in trouble also, when I think ME can DO anything apart from YOU!
Father, thank you! Thank you for enabling us to stand firm and not fall. Remind me, Holy Spirit, when I’m tempted to “ME DO!” life that I need You to keep me from falling. Amen.
