The use of multiplication tables can be traced to ancient Sumerian civilizations 4600 years ago. The Egyptians built upon this principle of mathematics by practicing multiplication using hieroglyphics. Based upon the beginning of the last Catholic Letter, the author is an earthly brother of a disciple of Jesus. After a traditional introduction, Jude’s first biblical message is to multiply some fruits of the Holy Spirit.
May mercy, [soul] peace, and love be multiplied to you, Jude 1:2.
When I was applying for my recertification as a teacher more than a decade ago, I discovered that I was one class away from qualifying as a certified math teacher. Despite taking numerous Calculus classes as a civil engineer, I wasn’t passionate about math. Yet, when the Bible talks about math, I do get excited. Jude suggests that first century Christians were lacking in mercy, peace and love.
But the fruit of the [Holy] Spirit [the work which His presence within accomplishes] is love, joy (gladness), peace, patience (an even temper, forbearance), kindness, goodness (benevolence), faithfulness, 23 Gentleness (meekness, humility), self-control (self-restraint, continence). Against such things there is no law [[f]that can bring a charge], Galatians 5:22-23.
Rather than gloss over this spiritual deficiency, Jude longed to multiply the fruits of the Holy Spirit. In the passage above, the apostle Paul lists all of the benefits of having the presence of God’s Spirit in your life. One chapter later, Galatians 6:7-10 references the principle of sowing and reaping. Rather than get tripped up internally by acts of your flesh, Galatians 5:16-18, Paul urges Christians to invest their time by chasing after God’s Spirit, Galatians 5:25. When you do, the fruits of God’s Spirit will multiply.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 