The Lord’s Work

Jude 9-10 But even the archangel Michael, when he was disputing with the devil about the body of Moses, did not dare to bring a slanderous accusation against him, but said, “The Lord rebuke you!”   10 Yet these men speak abusively against whatever they do not understand; and what things they do understand by instinct, like unreasoning animals – these are the very things that destroy them.
 
HAVE you heard this? A very good summary of this surprising encounter between the archangel Michael and Satan comes from the Life Application Bible Commentary:
“This incident mentioned by Jude is not recorded in Scripture, but it can be found in an ancient book titled, The Assumption of Moses. The story, known to the early believers, explains that the archangel Michael had been sent to bury Moses’ body. Moses the servant of the Lord died there in Moab, as the Lord had said. He buried him in Moab, in the valley opposite Beth Peor, but to this day no one knows where his grave is. (Deuteronomy 34:5-6)
    According to The Assumption of Moses, when Michael prepared to do his task, he began disputing with the devil over Moses’ body. Satan said Moses’ body rightfully belonged to him because Moses had committed murder (Exodus 2:12). He said that he had rights over all the earth and that Moses’ body fell under that category as well. Michael, instead of using his own authority, left the matter in his Master’s hands, saying simply, ‘The Lord rebuke you!’ He did not rely on his own power and authority.”
    Jude’s point to the church is to allow the Lord’s authority to rebuke and judge false teachings. Some false teachers were accusing the church by instinct, like unreasoning animals. Their teachings were from their own sinful nature. They rejected God’s truth to judge the church based on their own false doctrines.
    This plague continues today. Popular speakers parade their false opinions, based on their natural sin nature, before the church and the world. You Holy God’s spoken, written Word is your truth. A true disciple is commanded to speak God’s Word to correct sin; yet, it is only God’s authority to judge.
 
Life Thought: Teaching God’s commands is pointing the way to heaven.