I never saw that coming.

"I never saw that coming."  

 

I've blurted that phrase out many times in my life when something took me by surprise.  Like on the occasions I've tripped over things unexpectedly, when I've been surprised by the arrival of a loved one, or when someone shows an expression of appreciation that you didn't see coming.  

 

I've also experienced times in my life when someone has acted or said unkind words to me and in my pain I'd say, “Wow!  I never saw that coming.” 

 

The one chapter book of Jude is packed with many spiritual truths that are applicable to our lives today and one of these is a warning about those "I never saw that coming" life moments.  

In Jude 1:12-13, there are warnings of false teachers who snuck into the church and carried with them dangerous teachings that over time would cause problems.  

 

These are spots in your love feasts, while they feast with you without fear, serving only themselves. They are clouds without water, carried about by the winds; late autumn trees without fruit, twice dead, pulled up by the roots; raging waves of the sea, foaming up their own shame; wandering stars for whom is reserved the blackness of darkness forever. (Jude 1:12-13 NKJV)

 

The best translation in Greek for “spot or blemishes in your love feasts,” is hidden rocks.  Hidden rocks are found below the surface of the water and hold the potential of destroying a passing ship.  Those assigned to spot these hidden rocks never saw them coming.  

 

You know, I've experienced a few hidden rocks in my own life.  They are things I may enjoy, want, believe are fine but are not necessarily good for me.  If I ignore these hidden rocks and sail through life oblivious to the danger of hidden rocks, destruction is sure to come.  

 

I like eating raw cookie dough yet, everyone knows that eating food with raw eggs is dangerous.

 

Drinking my coffee with half and half is amazing, but too much of either coffee or half and half is unhealthy.

 

Telling someone off when they deserve it feels great in the moment, yet as gratifying and justified as it may feel in that moment, is it really worth the destruction of a relationship? 

 

When we all choose to do only what makes us feel good, WARNING...there are consequences.

 

In the book of Jude, as well as other New Testament books, there are warnings that we should beware of false teachers in our midst.  

 

These false teachers will become our own personal ‘hidden rocks.’  

 

You may think you're able to spot a false teacher quickly, but the ways of the world have crept into the church and if the community of Believers is not careful, we’ll all be caught saying, “I never saw that coming.”