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THE JUDGMENT OF APOSTASY (I)
MONDAY, APRIL 6
Jude 5
Numbers 14:1-30
 
“… the Lord … afterward destroyed
them that believed not.”
 
THE JUDGMENT OF APOSTASY (I)
 
Having stated the purpose of his epistle and the urgent need for his exhortation, Jude now emphasizes the judgment that inevitably follows apostasy, by way of several examples. These are historical examples, taken from the record of scripture.
 
The first example is that of the Israelites, after the exodus from Egypt. After witnessing for themselves God’s power displayed in the plagues, and seeing the proof of God’s intention to deliver His people from bondage; after experiencing God’s miraculous provision in the wilderness of all their needs (heat, shade, food, water); after receiving from God’s own hand His perfect law and assurance of His continuing presence with them ‒ after all this, there remained among the people those who “believed not” (Jude 5).
 
The sad story is recounted in Numbers 13-14. Twelve spies were sent out to bring back a report on the promised land. Ten of them brought back an evil report of a land unconquerable, filled with walled cities and defended by giants; and this evil report was believed by all the people of Israel. Those who had cheered and celebrated the destruction of the Egyptian host in the Red Sea, now determined to “make a captain, and… return into Egypt” (Num 14:4). They even maligned God, and accused Him of a murderous deception (Num 14:3). What wickedness! In consequence of their rebellion “all that were numbered… from twenty years old and upward” would die in the wilderness, and never enter the land of promise (Num 14:29-30).
 
A great multitude had left Egypt, marching under the banner of the LORD; yet, of all the 603,550 that were numbered (Num 1:45-46), only two (Joshua and Caleb) believed God. The rest were those who “believed not” (Jude 5), who were destroyed. Though outwardly numbered among God’s people, the vast majority in fact did not believe! And their unbelief was made manifest, and they were judged for their apostasy. Is it not so today? A mere outward profession will not truly save anyone, and there will be “many” on that day who will find themselves dismissed from the Lord’s presence (cf. Matt 7:22-23).
 
THOUGHT: Do I truly know the Lord? Do I truly believe?
PRAYER: Grant that I may be numbered with Thy people on that day.

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