Over the last couple days we have been studying the examples from the Old Testament that Jude has given to describe false itinerant teachers who are trying to persuade people from following the gospel of Jesus Christ. We first read of the example of Cain who through hatred and envy killed his brother Abel rather than correct his offering to God so that it would be respected. Next we considered Balaam who through his greed for silver and gold went against God's desire to stay home, and when he could not curse Israel, he convinced Balak the King of Moab to mingle his young women with the men of Israel which led them to idolatry. Today we have one additional Old Testament example given by Jude. He wrote in Jude verse eleven:
Woe unto them! for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in the gainsaying of Core.
“Core” or “Korah” in the Old Testament was a cousin to Moses and Aaron. We read mostly about Korah's uprising in the Old Testament book of Numbers in Chapter sixteen for the full story, but we shall summarize for our purposes. Moses and Aaron were the leaders over the children of Israel as they exited the land of Egypt. Moses talked with God and received the ten commandments from him, and Aaron and his sons were the priests among the people. Korah and his family had charge of taking care of the tabernacle. In other words, Moses and Aaron were over the people, and Korah and his group were over the stuff. Korah felt that he was being slighted, and although God was the one who chose Moses and Aaron, Korah and his crew thought they were just as important as Moses and Aaron. Of course, jealousy ensued, and Korah desired their position. Moses fell on his face when he was confronted by Korah, and later with God's instruction Moses divided the group of Korah with his two hundred and fifty men and Moses and Aaron. Then Moses made this proclamation:
And Moses said, Hereby ye shall know that the LORD hath sent me to do all these works; for [I have] not [done them] of mine own mind. If these men die the common death of all men, or if they be visited after the visitation of all men; [then] the LORD hath not sent me. But if the LORD make a new thing, and the earth open her mouth, and swallow them up, with all that [appertain] unto them, and they go down quick into the pit; then ye shall understand that these men have provoked the LORD. Numbers 16:28-30
The next three verses tell us that the Earth opened up and swallowed Korah, his two hundred and fifty men, and all their goods. Then the Earth closed up again. Just the thought of this should have anyone in awe, however this is the example Jude uses of false itinerant teachers. There are those around who are jealous of people in positions given by God. The Bible is very clear about God being the one who sets up one authority and puts down another. The book of Romans in chapter thirteen has more to say about this, but suffice it for now to consider that God appoints authorities. These itinerant preachers according to Jude will perish in the “gainsaying” or rebellion just as Korah did. It is dangerous ground for any of us to speak in boastful manners against authorities like Korah did, and perhaps today we have one of the greatest challenges before us. When we do not like the leadership, even when we disagree with them, we have an awesome opportunity to respect and pray for them, and in our country replace them through elections, but we must continue to remember that God allowed them to be there. Sometimes we may not understand why God would choose this person or that, but it is good to remember what Jesus said to Pilate when we consider our authorities:
Jesus answered, you could have no power [at all] against me, except it were given to you from above: therefore he that delivered me unto you has the greater sin. John 19:11
Next time we will look at what Jude has to say about how these false itinerant teacher affect their love feasts, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.
Until tomorrow...there is more...
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