Creatures of Instinct

 "This is especially true of those who follow the corrupt desire of the flesh and despise authority. Bold and arrogant, they are not afraid to heap abuse on celestial beings; yet even angels, although they are stronger and more powerful, do not heap abuse on such beings when bringing judgment on them from the Lord. But these people blaspheme in matters they do not understand. They are like unreasoning animals, creatures of instinct, born only to be caught and destroyed, and like animals they too will perish."

— 2 Peter 2:10-12

Gracious Lord Jesus, my friend and my King,

Those who follow the corrupt desire of their sinful flesh are creatures of instinct. They are running after sin without reason and with no forethought. They despise any authority that would warn them or divert their path. They are daringly presumptuous. They are not afraid to blaspheme and bring accusation against heaven's majestic beings and upon God's glory. They blaspheme ignorantly in matters they have no understanding of.

In contrast, angels who are stronger and more powerful, do not revile or accuse these ungodly people even when they are bringing God's judgment upon them. It would seem to me the lesson is that while I want to heap abuse and revile and accuse the ungodly people around me, I am to entrust them to God and let him handle the accusing and judgment. 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.'"

Lord Jesus, today I thank You for delivering me from the corrupt desire of my flesh. I am grieved in my soul for those who are still bound up by sin and are like unreasoning animals. It's why You said from the cross, "Father, forgive them for they know not what they do." When my flesh wants to revile and accuse ungodly people for their harmful actions, remind me to entrust them to You to bring Your rebuke upon their lives.

— In Jesus' Name I pray, Amen!

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