ABOUT THOSE WHO REJECT GOD

5 But I want to remind you, though you once knew this, that the Lord, having saved the people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed those who did not believe. 6 And the angels who did not keep their proper domain, but left their own abode, He has reserved in everlasting chains under darkness for the judgment of the great day; 7 as Sodom and Gomorrah, and the cities around them in a similar manner to these, having given themselves over to sexual immorality and gone after strange flesh, are set forth as an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire. Jude 1:5-7 (NKJV)

This is the second of a series of Devotions on the Book of Jude. You can go here to review the first devotion in this series.

In yesterday’s devotion we considered the importance of standing up for Jesus. Today we look at those who have rejected God and tomorrow at some who have stood up for Him.

I feel sure that the three illustrations that the writer used were very familiar to the people of that day. Rather than take time to go into explanations, let us look at the two most familiar accounts.

We know that after the many plagues, Pharaoh finally agreed to allow Moses to lead the Children of Israel out of their lives of slavery in Egypt. As the believers came to the Sea, God parted the waters. Meanwhile Pharaoh had changed his mind and sent his armies to bring Moses and the people back. They were sure they would capture them at the Sea, but when they arrived, they discovered the waters had parted and the Children of Israel were safely across. The army charged after them. As they were crossing where the waters had parted, suddenly the walls of water crumbled and the army was destroyed in the Sea.

We know that Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed because of the sins described above. They were given many opportunities to repent. Instead of repenting, they made fun of Lot and those of his family who held fast to their belief in God. Upon God’s instructions, Lot and those few of his family who believed left the cities. When they were safely out of the city, flames destroyed not only the cities but also all those who lived there and remained behind. We all know what happened to Lot’s wife.

These are not stories of fear and depression. These are stories of hope. Hope, because we are assured that the evil that surrounds us will not go unpunished. It may go on for generation after generation even up to the Day of Christ’s return, but it will not go unpunished.

These are stories that challenge us. They challenge us to follow the ways of the world and accept the consequences or to follow the ways of God and gladly receive the gift of Salvation and life with Him in Eternity.

WE PRAY:  Lord, it is sometimes so easy to forget that you are with us when trouble surrounds us. Sometimes it is because the trouble is something that others think is natural. Help us, Lord, to stand up for you. Send your Holy Spirit upon us that we might place our trust entirely in You and Your promises when we are surrounded by those who are against You. Amen.

A SUGGESTION FOR LIVING THE DEVOTION

Find a passage in the opening chapters of the Book of James that tells you what to do when you are faced with trials and temptations.

Find a passage in the closing chapters of the Book of Joshua that is a statement that Joshua made concerning who he should serve.