Jude 20-25 - Spiritual Vaccines

Except for those who have already had COVID-19 and recovered, our bodies don't have a natural immunity to the virus. The mRNA vaccines some of us are getting will start to "educate" our immune system to do two things: (1) make antibodies as a defense against the virus and (2) actually go on the offense and kill the virus!* The scientists in my family will see that as a gross oversimplification, but of course this isn't a lesson in genetics or virology.

There are plenty of spiritual diseases that would attack our hearts. But God has provided defenses for us:

Jude 20–25 (New Living Translation) "20 But you, dear friends, must build each other up in your most holy faith, pray in the power of the Holy Spirit, 21 and await the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ, who will bring you eternal life. In this way, you will keep yourselves safe in God’s love. *** 24 Now all glory to God, who is able to keep you from falling away and will bring you with great joy into his glorious presence without a single fault."

At least three "immune systems" are described here:
1. Building each other's faith.
2. Praying with the power of the Holy Spirit.
3. Keeping hope in God's mercy and eternal life.

But above all, Jude tells us, "keep yourselves safe in God's love." How do we do that when perhaps our faith and hope --our "immune system"-- is already under attack... "comorbidities," if you will? Jude says that God Himself is the one to keep us from tripping up, that He is the one who will get us home to heaven "without a single fault." That's some promise!

That's why we close these thoughts with the last verse of Jude's letter:

25 All glory to him who alone is God, our Savior through Jesus Christ our Lord. All glory, majesty, power, and authority are his before all time, and in the present, and beyond all time! Amen.

https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/why-are-mrna-vaccines-so-exciting-2020121021599