Body of Moses
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But I would remind you that even the archangel Michael when he was contending with the devil in the dispute over the body of Moses did not dare to condemn him with mockery. He simply said, “The Lord rebuke you!” (James 9 - Phillips Translation)
I feel the need to share here a little insight that has been given to me regarding this “dispute over the body of Moses.” Religion has painted a picture for us here of an archangel in a tug-o-war with the devil over a corpse. Yet, the Holy Spirit seems to be painting another picture ... let me show you.
Beloved, many of the truths in scripture can be found when we see that they are hidden in spiritual pictures presented to us in the form of words. The Bible is a SPIRITUAL BOOK and contained within that book are divine stumbling blocks that are designed to keep carnal minded men away from the truth. The carnal mind is an enemy of God and will always lead us down a path that leads to death (alienation from the mind and heart of God). BUT CHRIST, who is our LIFE, the ANOINTING within us, HE WILL ALWAYS lead us into the truth. Let us follow Him.
Throughout the scriptures, the Holy Spirit often uses Moses as a type of THE LAW. He does this with phrases like, “Moses and the Prophets," or "The Law of Moses," or the "Commandments of Moses," or “When Moses is read.” None of these things are actually referring to the physical man Moses, nor are they his laws or commandments, but these things are simply used as synonyms for the LAW OF GOD. It is in this way also that we must view the term “body of Moses” if we are to discern what is being said to us in Jude 9.
Beloved, as you all probably know very well, Satan is the accuser of the brethren who is continually bringing railing accusations against us before the throne of God. His accusations are not unfounded, but are based upon the Law. This is “the dispute over the body of Moses” (the Law). BUT, we are no longer those who sit condemned under the Old Testament Law, for the Law of the Spirit of Life has set us free!! We are not of “the body of Moses” ... we are the BODY OF CHRIST! Under the New Covenant with God, we are no longer under the burden of the Law for CHRIST KEEPS THE LAW FOR US PERFECTLY!!
Dear friends, I believe that Jude 9 shows us that the devil needs to be reminded of all of this from time to time. Jude 9 also shows us that God doesn't bring railing or condemning accusations against even Satan when Satan brings railing accusations against us. No. That is not necessary. When the devil needs a bit of a rebuke from the Lord, the Lord simply says to him, “The Lord rebuke you, Satan!" .. for that is quite enough.