We’ve recently finished a study of the book of Jude at church here in Pretoria. I recommend studying this book if you’ve never taken the time to dive into a study. Click on this link, and you’ll easily navigate to the series “Why We Fight.” The book of Jude is an amazing, yet short, book of the Bible. It is one of the shortest books, with only 25 verses. It was written by Jude (obvious giveaway in the title), who was the half-brother of Jesus. Interestingly, Jude never invokes his half-brother status in the letter. In his introduction in verse 1, he simply says, “Jude, a servant of Jesus Christ and brother of James.”
If it were me, I likely would have said, “Lea, a sibling of Jesus Christ…”
I would have written this introduction hoping that Jude’s status as a half-brother would have given more oomph to my message. It seems, however, that Jude did not perceive his status as a half-brother as worth mentioning. His only reference to himself was as “a servant.”
The dreamer, not a servant
In part 2 of the series, one of the verses that struck me as we were studying was verse 8:
“Yet, in a similar way, the people who slipped in among you are dreamers. They contaminate their bodies with sin, reject the Lord’s authority, and insult his glory.”
Jude 1:8 GW
The kinds of dreamers referred to in Jude 8 aren’t dreamers of a heavenly kind. Some dream heavenly dreams (see Joel 2:28). But the dreamers of Jude 8 were dreamers of a different kind. They “slipped in” among the people to lead them away. They had a hidden agenda and had to find a way to gain the people’s trust.
What better way to gain a foothold among struggling people than to appear spiritual? These dreamers of Jude 8, in my opinion, were people who were bent on upending the church. They planned to do this by exploiting the suffering of the people with the appearance of being super-spiritual.
The dreamers worked to win the people’s hearts, much like Absalom did in 2 Samuel 15. Absalom was David’s son, heir to the throne. But he was impatient and contemptuous of his father’s leadership, so he made a plan to steal away the kingdom before his time.
Absalom’s quest was unsuccessful, but he did cause a lot of damage. The dreamers of Jude were setting themselves up to rule like Absalom by attempting to steal the people’s hearts. They would dream what sounded to be spiritual dreams and make sure everyone heard them. Because people were easily influenced, they were pulled to listen to the dreamers. Like Absalom’s treason, the dreamers’ pursuit of power caused much damage.
Dreamers go high, a servant bows low
Dreamers are often charismatic and smooth-talking individuals, unlike Jude, a servant. Servants aren’t flamboyant like dreamers. They are not self-seeking. They seek to serve those they lead. I’ve heard it said many times that the higher you go, the lower you must bow.
The dreamers of today aren’t different from those of Jude’s time. Their approach might be different. They may use social media to broadcast their dreams and visions. Or, they may use current crises to further their supposed authority. They prey on the fear and suffering of people and draw them away. It’s also interesting to note that dreamers are insecure people who need a following to affirm them.
It is not this way with one who is like Jude, a servant. Leaders like Jude aren’t intent on leading people. They are intent on serving without an agenda. They don’t align themselves with who or what is popular. This will put them at odds with the dreamers who want to isolate their followers from Jude.
Whispering secrets behind closed doors
The dreamers of verse 8 are also referred to as “certain men” or “some ones” in verse 1 (depending on what version you are reading). These individuals, the dreamers, are not looking out for the well-being of those they lead. They only want power and will resort to almost anything to get it and hang on to it. Beware of the dreamers who whisper “secrets” behind closed doors.
Look for someone who is like Jude, who serves you without agenda. They won’t always say what feels good or popular. And they may even say something that offends you. A preacher I know (Dr. Duane White) has said, “God will insult your mind to reveal what is in your heart.” God already knows what’s in our hearts. The discovery is ours to make. So, if our minds are offended by what is said, that offense points to our need for introspection. The dreamers will capitalize on that offense.
Beware of the dreamers of Jude 8.
