Can We Disrespect the Devil?
R-E-S-P-E-C-T. Find out what it means to Thee.
Jude 9 is one of the strangest commands in the entire Bible to me. Well, let me start with
Jude 8.
In the very same way, on the strength of their dreams these ungodly people pollute their own bodies, reject authority and heap abuse on celestial beings.
So it’s telling us that we need to be really careful in how we talk about spiritual things because there’s a lot going on in the unseen realm that we don’t understand. And we get into trouble when we assume things, because we can assume a lot of things that are wrong.
If you’ve been listening to this podcast, I’ve tried to share things about the spiritual realm that most Christians don’t know about. The divine council. The Sons of God. The scope of God’s sovereignty. The unseen realm is more complicated than simply angels vs demons.
So Jude warns us to be careful in how we talk about spiritual beings. It says we might even inadvertently blaspheme good beings because we call something evil that is actually good.
And that brings us to Jude 9. One of the strangest commands in the entire Bible. It tells us to even temper the way in which we talk about God’s enemy: the devil.
Jude 9 says
But even the archangel Michael, when he was disputing with the devil about the body of Moses, did not himself dare to condemn him for slander but said, “The Lord rebuke you!”
So it’s telling us right there: be careful how you talk about spiritual beings. Even be careful that you don’t disrespect the devil.
Now, that’s quite an extreme example to go to when telling that we need to show respect. So extreme that I find it to be weird. And I’d like to explore why it’s in the Bible.
So turn to Jude 9, and let’s get weird.
If you want to get in touch, my email is weirdstuffinthebible@gmail.com
Hosted by Luke Taylor
