Michael the Archangel: Jude 1:9-10
“9) But Michael the archangel, when he disputed with the devil and argued about the body of Moses, did not dare pronounce against him a railing judgment, but said, “The Lord rebuke you!” 10) But these men revile the things which they do not understand; and the things which they know by instinct, like unreasoning animals, by these things they are destroyed.” Jude 1:9-10
Jude now shares an illustration that is not recorded elsewhere in the Bible. Though Deuteronomy 34:5-8 records the death of Moses and that God Himself buried him in the land of Moab, there is no mention of this conflict between Michael the archangel and the devil over his body.
But note the humility and reverence for God that Michael displayed. Rather than standing in his own authority and power, he said, “The Lord Rebuke You.”
This text reminds me that we as believers do not stand alone in the arena of spiritual warfare. As Paul said in Ephesians 6:10, we are to “stand strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might.” We are to “put on the full armor of God.” Though we are not to fear the devil but we should have respect for our adversary. We should be both sober and vigilant.
Both James 4:7-8 and 1 Peter 5:6-9 instructs us to resist the devil firm in our faith. We do not resist him in our own talents, abilities, strength or religious rituals. Acts 19:14-17 tells the fate of the Jewish exorcists who confronted a demon possessed man without themselves personally knowing Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. They were attacked, overpowered and humiliated. The story is worth reviewing in the context of this discussion.
So this brings up the question as to why the false workers in Jude 1:10 display such arrogance and spite for the spiritual realm. The answer is that they are actually ploys of the evil one. It is mere propaganda. They publicly show destain for both God and the devil while secretly they are agents for the kingdom of darkness.
Many atheists, secular philosophers, college professors, scientists and politicians who are driven by evil agendas fit into this category. They revile God to His face so as not to submit to His morals.
As Jude says, they are totally deceived. They revile things they do not understand and act as animals driven by instinct in their involvement and endorsement of evil. In the end they themselves will be destroyed. Satan turns on his own and God’s judgement upon them will be certain and well deserved.
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global
