August 29, 2016

Mark 14:10-11 "Then Judas Iscariot, who was one of the twelve, went to the chief priests in order to betray Him to them.  And when they heard it, they were glad and promised to give him money.   And he sought an opportunity to betray Him."  (ESV)  How we shudder when we read this scripture. Judas has become the biggest bad guy in the Bible to us.   We really hate (yep, that's a strong word.)  him for what he did to our Savior, Jesus.   We conjure up horrible images of who Judas was and why he did what he did.  But, we need to remember that first Jesus chose him to be one of those in the inner circle.   Judas must have had some good qualities to be asked by Jesus to "follow Him".  Can you see any of yourself in Judas?    I sure can!   But I don't think I like it!   Jesus loves me and asks me to follow Him and I do so willingly.    Except when I forget!   Except when it is not convenient!   Except when others around me are not!  I've never equated myself with Judas before, but friends, when I turn my back on Jesus, that IS betrayal!   Ouch!  In this crazy world we live in, we must all sand firm in the promises of Jesus and give Him all of us, every moment, every day.   When we turn away we are jepordizing ourselves and piercing the heart of Jesus as well.   Let's never be a judas again!   Let's proudly walk the walk and talk the talk and give Jesus the glory!