lessons from jude (4)
11 Woe to them! They have taken the way of Cain; they have rushed for profit into Balaam’s error; they have been destroyed in Korah’s rebellion.
Back to Jude! This guy is not sugarcoating his feelings for those who live unholy lives after their conversions. His attacks on those who use God’s grace for a freedom to continue living for themselves are blistering. But today he lists three ways they bring damnation on themselves
They have taken the way of Cain. This is not about murdering your brother, as most would consider that awful, but the sin that brought Cain to the angry point of murder was something different. If you look at Jewish history books, Cain offered vegetables, and Abel offered sheep. That still was not a problem, as we’re supposed to offer what we have, but the history books say Cain gave the vegetables that were not as good as the others. Cain did not give his best. This is what Jude is attacking…using God’s grace…which was bought by his son’s abusive murder as a freedom to do whatever you want. Living an unholy life, after a holy sacrifice has been made for it. This is what Paul means: “You are not your own! You are bought with a price!” This brings judgment on you eventually.
They have rushed for profit into Balaam’s error. God is never against money. God created blessings. But you cannot serve money and God. God knows when your decisions are made with self-interest and self-preservation in mind. God demands all of our affections, and when we do things for money-like giving up your holiness because if you’re too much, then you won’t get a job promotion…you won’t be accepted…this is idolatry in God’s mind. You cannot live for yourself.
They have been destroyed in Korah’s rebellion. Korah was a Levite in the Old Testament, and his family was in charge of packing up the temple as the Israelites moved. He challenged Moses for headship of the priesthood. He gathered friends and family in the rebellion. Just like men and women split churches because they believe they have a greater anointing than the Pastor, they have the ear of the people, or they can do it better. Completely opposite of God’s plan. It will be better for you and your ‘powerful anointing, understanding, and leadership’ to never EVER get noticed as long as you live, than for you to undermine authority. God hates this. And always remember…if you undermine authority, you will have your authority undermined. Jude says if you join this rebellion, you have already been destroyed.
Jude is not finished, but this is enough for today. Most of us have failed in these or all of these at some point…We are all guilty…we all should be ashamed.
