Woe to the Prideful

Scripture: Woe to them! For they have gone in the way of Cain, have run greedily after the error of Balaam for a reward, and perished in the rebellion of Korah. Jude 1:11

Observation: Jude is pronouncing a warning against those people who, in the church, are actually rebelling against the teaching and pronouncements of God. He compares them to three old testament events, and thus to understand their sin it is good to understand those events.

The way of Cain: Cain withheld the best part of his sacrifice to God, was angered by the blessing of Abel that resulted, in jealously murdered Abel, then believed he could lie to God about the event.

The error of Balaam: Balaam accepted payment to curse the nation of Israel. However, when God informed him that he must bless and not curse them, he even then boasted about his insight about God's will.

The rebellion of Korah: Korah lead a rebellion against God's chosen prophet - Moses - seeking to usurp the authority of Moses and Aaron in the camp in the wilderness.

In all three cases, the sin is clear ... pride. All three of these individuals were blessed by God - by life (Cain), liberty (Korah), and honor (Balaam). Instead of responding to that blessing with thanks, they rebelled against God. They rebelled primarily against God's authority in their lives ... that God cannot judge them (Cain), or set leaders over them (Korah), or direct their actions (Balaam).

Application: Again with the pride!

Pride is the one trait that sets us against God, because it breaks the two components Danielle Strickland spoke about at GLS (and I was recently reminded of). Pride disagrees with God about who he is, and about who I am in relation to him.

God is my sovereign source of authority. He has blessed me, and I have nothing without him. Yet by him, I have everything I need. He has authority in my life, and I willingly submit to that authority. I need to continue to meditate on my pride, and keep myself in humble relationship with God every day. The alternative is terrible.

Prayer: Lord, may I only walk humbly with you every day. I seek to serve you, and to do so by serving others. Show me your will and your way, and help me to keep my head bowed. Amen.