Lost Glory

Jude 6 And the angels who did not keep their positions of authority but abandoned their own home – these he has kept in darkness, bound with everlasting chains for judgment on the great Day.
 
JUDE is urging a church to stay faithful. He has reminded them of men who rebelled and are now eternally condemned. Sadly, this rebellion was also in heaven. Angels, once in God’s presence, now suffer judgment.
    There is a remarkable passage describing Satan’s and some angels’ fall from heaven in Ezekiel 28:15 You were blameless in your ways from the day you were created till wickedness was found in you. 16 Through your widespread trade you were filled with violence, and you sinned. So I drove you in disgrace from the mount of God, and I expelled you, O guardian cherub, from among the fiery stones.
    Why would angels living in heaven rebel? Their home was perfect, full of light and beauty. Heaven is lush with flowing water and bountiful fruit. Brilliant stones of many colors mark its walls. The throne room is as a sea of crystal. Yet, they chose to leave. Pride sent them from a secure home with God to roam the earth. Some are bound in chains into deep darkness, even now, awaiting final judgment into eternal darkness.
Why would they have chosen to leave God’s glory to face God’s judgment? Perhaps we can ask this of ourselves.
    God’s glory – his holiness, power and salvation – is available through Jesus Christ. He has granted to the world the pleasure to know his Word. Today, Bible teachings cover the globe through multiple forms of media. There is a powerful movement around the world to point people to holy perfection and eternal life.
    What keeps humanity’s mind from grasping tightly to this gift, even moving deliberately into darkness? It is self-worship, isn’t it? From Satan, to Adam, to Cain and on through the ages, God’s creation has thought, “I can be as God.” All philosophies and worldly religions begin with, “I will form God in my image.”  
    The world tempts the church away from the truth. Let’s be firm to draw the world into salvation’s light.
 
Life Thought: Ephesians 6:12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.