“Woe to them! For they have gone the way of Cain, and for pay they have given themselves up to the error of Balaam, and perished in the rebellion of Korah. These are the ones who are hidden reefs in your love feasts when they feast with you without fear, like shepherds caring only for themselves; clouds without water, carried along by winds; autumn trees without fruit, doubly dead, uprooted; wild waves of the sea, churning up their own shameful deeds like dirty foam; …”
Jesus’ little brother isn’t being very “seeker sensitive” with this reprimand. He’s warning hypocritical teachers who use church to advance themselves, not others, and certainly not God. Jude describes their actions precisely so there will be no question about what they’re doing:
- The way of Cain was envy. Cain’s sacrifice wasn’t accepted so he murdered his brother out of resentment.
- The error of Balaam was covetousness, he loved money and adulterous idolatry.
- Korah stood against Moses. Pursued self-advancement and rejected admonishment from godly leaders.
James says these “pretenders” are collecting dire consequences for themselves. They cater to the rich and mistreat the poor… not fearing God, and even taking communion in a blasphemous manner. Their envy, covetousness, and pride are making them detrimental to the Kingdom.
As a group, they’re disappointing, like clouds without water. If the church had been in Texas Jude might have said they were “all hat, and no cattle”. This duplicity is displeasing to God and carries severe consequences.
Jude doesn’t beat around the bush; this is what we call a good old fashioned “butt chewing”. The people he is speaking to know exactly who they are, and their response will dictate their future.
What about us…. What will our response be when our own hypocrisy is openly pointed out? Will we deflect blame and choose the way of Cain, Balaam, or Korah? Or will we “own it”, confess it, and change it?
If you want the new year to be different than the past, begin by owning your garbage… and commit to cleaning it up. …You can’t change what you don’t acknowledge. So, honestly examine your life, accept responsibility, reject sin, and pursue holiness. Start by drawing a circle around yourself and working on everything inside that circle.
“Sincerity makes the very least person to be of more value than the most talented hypocrite.” -Spurgeon
