First Lesson From History: Jude 1:5
“5) Now I desire to remind you, though you know all things once for all, that the Lord, after saving a people out of the land of Egypt, subsequently destroyed those who did not believe. 6) And angels who did not keep their own domain, but abandoned their proper abode, He has kept in eternal bonds under darkness for the judgment of the great day, 7) just as Sodom and Gomorrah and the cities around them, since they in the same way as these indulged in gross immorality and went after strange flesh, are exhibited as an example in undergoing the punishment of eternal fire.” Jude 1:5-7
Jude now looks at three illustrations from history to establish the fact that God has a trigger point when it comes to His judgement. It is with these three verses that the book of Jude and 2 Peter 2:4-6 are nearly identical. They sight the same examples from history. Undoubtedly, one author borrowed from the other, but Jude adds some clarity to the illustrations.
We will consider each example from history on its own merit. Keep in mind, Jude was stressing the point that Satan has always planted false workers among Gods people to lead them astray. The first example relates to the multitude that came out of Egypt under Moses as recorded by Jude in verse 5.
When you go back and read the story of the Exodus, it is filled with accounts of false workers seeking to discredit Moses and lead Israel back to Egypt. They were only a few days out from Egypt when the critics began grumbling. (Read Exodus 14:10-12) When Pharaoh and his army came in pursuit, they tried urging the people to return to Egypt.
Then between Exodus 15:22 and 17:16 there was constant grumbling over water, food and war with Amalek. Again and again God proved Himself faithful. He was among them as a mighty provider.
Then we come to Exodus 19-32. When Moses was up on the Mountain getter the Law, ungodly people persuaded Aaron to make a golden calf as worship it as God. All kinds of immoral sin broke out among the people as they worshipped the golden calf and set their hearts back to Egypt.
At this point they crossed over a line. God wanted to destroy them all and do a reset with Moses and his descendants, but Moses interceded for the people. From that point forward there were many more challenges from the ramble among them. Even the story of the ten spies is an example of unbelievers seeking to derail Gods plan and lead His people back to slavery.
Gods discipline was so strong, that over the next forty years the whole generation that came out of Egypt perished. Many died from plagues and others from judgements. It took God only one day to bring Israel out of Egypt, but it took forty years to get Egypt out of Israel. They were a generation bent on sin and rebellion. God cleansed His people by systematically removing them.
The point Jude was making is very sobering, “5)… the Lord after saving a people out of the land of Egypt, subsequently destroyed those who did not believe.” God is holy and just and powerful. Satan cannot thwart His plan or purpose in the world. God will bring judgement on the wicked.
Do not minimize or downplay the holiness and justice of God. He can and will judge sin and Satan’s evil work in the world. God always prevails!
As we move into the end times, evil is once again spreading like a plague. Satan is unleashing his last desperate attempt to defile and destroy humanity. God is allowing him to test people. Do not surrender to sin or wickedness.
The Bible teaches that God will prevail and Jesus will return to set up His Kingdom. No matter who pulls anchor around you or what supposed Christian leader renounces Jesus; … you can remain steadfast! Fix your eyes on Jesus and don’t look to the left or to the right. Follow in the footsteps of the hero’s of faith recorded in Hebrews 11. Become a mighty man or woman of faith!
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global
