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The Ballad Of Jude

Poem Illustration
Inspired by Jude's brief yet potent epistle, the brother of James, this ballad encapsulates his urgent call to early Christians to guard their faith against those distorting God's grace for immorality, denying Jesus Christ. Through song, it explores themes of divine mercy, defending the faith, and the consequences of apostasy, weaving Jude's ancient warnings into a lyrical narrative that speaks to both heart and mind, encouraging steadfastness, discernment, and a life of love and vigilance in anticipation of God's judgment.
(Verse 1)
In the days of old, 
a servant bold, 
named Jude, of James the brother,

Writes to the saints, 
in God's embrace, 
preserved by Christ, no other.

To you he sends, 
where faith extends, 
mercy, peace, and love,

May these increase, 
in hearts and deeds, 
like stars above.

(Chorus)
Oh, hear the call, 
to one and all, 
to keep the faith so pure,

For there are wolves, 
within our fold, 
beware the false allure.

(Verse 2)
Jude did strive, 
with earnest drive, 
to write of common grace,

But found it meet, 
to warn indeed, 
of dangers we must face.

For men have crept, 
their souls corrupt, 
with deeds of dark intent,

They twist God's grace, 
with lustful chase, 
His truth they do resent.

(Bridge)
Remember well, 
the tale to tell, 
of Egypt's long ago,

The Lord once saved, 
then judged the knaves, 
who faith did not show.

(Verse 3)
And angels too, 
in service true, 
who left their sacred post,

Now chained in dark, 
a fate so stark, 
their judgment, none can boast.

Like Sodom's fall,
and Gomorrah's call, 
their sins did loudly cry,

An example set, 
lest we forget, 
where sin does lead us by.

(Chorus)
Oh, hear the call, 
to one and all, 
to keep the faith so pure,

For there are wolves, 
within our fold, 
beware the false allure.

(Verse 4)
These men of sin, 
with hearts unclean, 
mock powers that be,

Yet Michael, wise, 
with heaven's guise, 
spoke with humility.

They speak of lore
yet are unsure 
like beasts they live and die,

Woe to them, 
their fate so grim, 
for their deceitful lie.

(Bridge)
The way of Cain, 
the greed of Balaam, 
their path does lead to sorrow,

In feasts of love, 
they feed above, 
but leave no fruit for morrow.

(Verse 5)
They are like clouds, 
without the rains, 
by winds they're tossed and turned,

Like barren trees, 
whose fruit should please, 
but now are twice dead, burned.

Waves of the sea, 
they froth with shame,
 stars lost in endless night,

Reserved for them, 
a dark so grim, 
away from God's light.

(Chorus)
Oh, hear the call, 
to one and all, 
to keep the faith so pure,

For there are wolves, 
within our fold, 
beware the false allure.

(Verse 6)
Enoch spoke, 
in days of old, 
of judgment fierce and sure,

The Lord will come, 
with saints in sum, 
His justice to procure.

These grumblers, proud, 
with words so loud, 
seek gain with flattery,

Yet we recall, 
the words of Paul, 
of mockers there shall be.

(Bridge)
Build up your faith, 
with prayer sincere, 
in the Spirit, stay,

Keep in God's love, 
with eyes above, 
for mercy on that day.

(Verse 7)
Compassion show, 
to some who know, 
the need for grace anew,

But others fear, 
for they are near, 
to fire's edge, they grew.

Jude prays for strength, 
to keep from length, 
of falling far from grace,

To stand before, 
with joy and more, 
in His glorious face.

(Outro)
To God our guide, 
wisdom and pride, 
be glory, power, and might,

Both now and then,
 amen, amen, 
in His eternal light.
                

William Somero