When the song became very popular, there was a lot of speculation who Paul McCartney was writing about. John Lennon thought Paul was writing about him and his recent separation from his wife. Some thought it was about Paul’s failing relationship with his longtime girlfriend. A tabloid journalist in England thought it was about her. It was not until 20 years later that Jules Lennon, the son of John Lennon, learned that it was written for him to comfort him during the divorce of his parents. I am not sure why it took so long to let young Lennon know that the words of comfort were for him, but then again, not everything from the Beatles makes sense.
When Jude, the brother of James, wrote his short letter it was very clear who the audience was. He wrote, “Jude, a bond-servant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James, To those who are the called, beloved in God the Father, and kept for Jesus Christ” (Jude 1:1, NASB). He wrote it to the called, the beloved in God and those kept for Jesus Christ. These three things highlight some interesting things about the recipients of the letter and you.
The concept of being “called” has been misunderstood by some. Paul wrote that we have been called by the gospel (2 Thess. 2:14). In the context of Jude, the word actually means the “invited.” If you compare that to the parable of the wedding feast in Matthew 22:1-14, it begins to become more clear. Jesus said, “Many are called [invited] but few are chosen” (v. 14).
We know that they were in a relationship with God because Jude speaks to them as “beloved of God.” This is the idea of being pleased with and being fond of someone and, in this case, being in a relationship with God. Jude said that we need to “keep yourselves in the love of God” (1:21). This is not the general love that He has for all men but rather the love He has for those that keep His commandments (1 John 5:2-3).
The idea of being “kept for Jesus” could be translated “being guarded by Jesus.” The American military has a term that describes this very well. They call it “overwatch.” Overwatch is a small group taking high ground or an observing position while a larger force is executing maneuvers or engaging the enemy. What overwatch can do is call in naval and air bombardments and alert of enemy positions and enemy troop movement.
So, Jude addresses this letter to those who have responded to the invitation, to those that love God and are loved by Him and are guarded under the overwatch of Jesus Christ. These three things definitely make it better. The question remains, have you responded to the invitation?