Monday Devo
Scripture:
Jude 1
9 But even Michael, one of the mightiest of the angels, did not dare accuse the devil of blasphemy, but simply said, “The Lord rebuke you!” (This took place when Michael was arguing with the devil about Moses’ body.)
9 But even Michael, one of the mightiest of the angels, did not dare accuse the devil of blasphemy, but simply said, “The Lord rebuke you!” (This took place when Michael was arguing with the devil about Moses’ body.)
Commentary:
8–10 The False Teachers Are Blasphemers. These people also refers to the false teachers (see chart). They are led astray by relying on their dreams, thus mistakenly following subjective experiences that they claim are from God but that lead them to disobey God’s written Word (cf. “following … ungodly passions,” v. 18). Following their “dreams,” they are sexually immoral (defile the flesh), reject authority, and blaspheme the glorious ones (probably evil angels; see note on 2 Pet. 2:10b–11). Even the archangel Michael did not speak to the devil flippantly, or blaspheme him, when he disputed with him over the body of Moses. This event is not in the OT (but cf. Deut. 34:5–6; Zech. 3:1–5), and whatever story Jude is referring to has been lost to history. In any case, Michael, understanding his own place in God’s design, did not pronounce a sentence of condemnation on the devil but left that to God’s authority, simply telling the devil, “The Lord rebuke you.” This demonstrates the exclusive power and authority of Jesus Christ, something the false teachers deny (see Jude 4). The point of vv. 8–10 is the false teachers’ refusal to submit to rightful authority, and it should not be understood as denying that Christ gives believers authority over demons (see note on Acts 16:18). Jude’s use of a story from nonbiblical literature (perhaps a lost section of a work called Testament of Moses) does not indicate that Jude thought the book was inspired. Elsewhere in the NT, writers quote uninspired sources to make a point (see notes on Acts 17:28; Titus 1:12–13). Michael is the only archangel identified by name in Scripture (cf. 1 Thess. 4:16).
Crossway Bibles, The ESV Study Bible (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2008), 2450.
Crossway Bibles, The ESV Study Bible (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2008), 2450.
Questions:
- Verse 9 kicks off with Jude referencing Michael (the archangel) rebuking the accuser of the brethren, or Satan. This same scene happens throughout the Old Testament... with Adam and Eve, with Abraham and Isaac, with Job, with Moses at the burning bush, and now at Moses' burial. The enemy is like a lion, on the prowl for someone to devour. He wants to take you out! He is YOUR accuser. How aware are you on a daily basis of the spiritual battle going on all around you?
- The accuser does what he does, accuse, and then the Lord does what HE does... Satan is rebuked by the Lord. And it happened once and for all at the cross! Yahweh provided a sacrifice that enabled His forgiveness of our sins while maintaining His own righteousness. The sacrifice removed our dirty garments and replaced them with clean garments of righteousness! This is the beauty of the cross! Sinners are turned to saints and rebels to royalty! How humbling is this realization? What has God saved you from? How far has He brought you?
Prayer Topics:
- That you would engage in the spiritual battle today.
- That your heart would be grateful before the Lord.
This Week's City 7:
Try to commit to memory!
7. How can I trust that the Bible is still God’s Word today? I trust the Bible is still God’s Word today because Jesus rose from the dead, proving He was God and said His words would never pass away. Through the Holy Spirit, God inspired the writing of the Scripture, determined the canon of Scripture and protected the copying of Scripture so that we might know Him and worship Him to this day.
(Matthew 24:35; 2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:16-21; Revelation 22:18-19)
(Matthew 24:35; 2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:16-21; Revelation 22:18-19)
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