Jude 11 (ESV) — 11 Woe to them! For they walked in the way of Cain and
abandoned themselves for the sake of gain to Balaam’s error and perished in
Korah’s rebellion.
NOTE: I think all
these are examples of people who sought to gratify the flesh. Cain did not give
the first fruits, because that might have required him to sacrifice. The line
of Cain is characterized by people who sought happiness through material things.
Balaam wanted the gold and was struggling to compromise in such a way as to be
faithful to God but helpful to Balak. In the end, he counseled Balak on how
to defeat Israel by using their women to
seduce Israel away from their God. And Korah's rebellion against humble Moses
was because he wanted the power, and the corresponding ability to gain wealth
by ruling the nation. He really cared little for God, choosing to decide for
himself what rules he could or could not follow. This is a microcosm of the
Christian community today, the pursuit of selfish desires and compromises with
truth to gain wealth and power and to feed the flesh.
NOTE: Father,
forgive me for my own personal failures. Forgive me for seeking to gratify the
flesh above serving you. I want to serve you first and foremost. Give me a
witness and the opportunities and the courage to do just that.
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