God is Able

This morning I am reading from Jude 1:17-25 NIV:

[17]. "But, dear friends, remember what the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ foretold. [18] They said to you, “In the last times there will be scoffers who will follow their own ungodly desires.” [19] These are the people who divide you, who follow mere natural instincts and do not have the Spirit. [20] But you, dear friends, by building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, [21] keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life. [22] Be merciful to those who doubt; [23] save others by snatching them from the fire; to others show mercy, mixed with fear---hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh.

[24] To him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy--- [25] to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen."

I specifically like verse 24 and the idea that God can keep us from stumbling. As I looked into the original Greek, I liked it even better! What is here translated - "able to keep you from stumbling" could be better translated - "who has the power and strength to guard and protect you from stumbling or falling"! The original language is much more expressive than the plain vanilla English we are left with. The word here translated able is the Greek word Dunamai - a variation of dunamis or power - where we get the word dynamite.

Definition
1. to be able, have power whether by virtue of one's own ability and resources, or of a state of mind, or through favourable circumstances, or by permission of law or custom
2. to be able to do something
3. to be capable, strong and powerful


The word that was translated keep, in the original Greek is Phulasso.

Definition
1. to guard
a. to watch, keep watch
b. to guard or watch, have an eye upon: lest he escape
c. to guard a person (or thing) that he may remain safe
2. to protect one from a person or thing
3. to keep from being snatched away, preserve safe and unimpaired
4. to guard from being lost or perishing

There is clearly a level of divine protection and help that is available to us, that is much more than just the ability to keep us from stumbling. The Lord is exerting His power and strength on our behalf! He is protecting us, guarding us, keeping watch over us. He definitely is able!