We live in a cynical world. It seems the way to gain credibility is to be critical of others’ ideas. By tearing people down, we try to build up ourselves. Unfortunately, this disposition has worked its way into the church.

This is not something new. In Jude’s day, false teachers were quick to belittle the authority of those in leadership and attacked the character of those appointed by God. However, this slander was not limited to humans but also to “celestial beings” (v. 8). Jude says that “these people slander whatever they do not understand” (v. 10). They were clueless and ignorant of the authority given by God to certain individuals (human and celestial).

In verse 9, Jude refers to a dispute about the body of Moses. It is helpful to look at Deuteronomy 34, where we read about the end of Moses’ life. God had prohibited Moses from entering the Promised Land, but He graciously allowed him to see it from Mt. Nebo. Moses died, and “He buried him in Moab…but to this day no one knows where his grave is” (Deut. 34:6).

One interesting thing about this epitaph is the phrase “He buried him in Moab.” The pronoun “He” seems to refer to God. Is it possible that God appeared as He did with Abraham (Gen. 18–19) and buried Moses Himself? Could this unique burial be the reason for the dispute between the archangel Michael and the devil (Jude 1:9)? In that dialogue, Michael, without slander, refuted the devil by stating, “The Lord rebuke you!” (v. 9).

The cynics in Jude’s day had the arrogance and audacity to slander celestial beings, when even Michael (the archangel) would not slander Satan. As believers, let us live with a spirit of humility. At the same time, look out for those who have a spirit of arrogance and cynicism. Humility and cynicism cannot occupy the same space.

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