The Word - May 30, 2012 - BETRAYED

"I do not speak of all of you. I know the ones I have chosen; but it is that the Scripture may be fulfilled, He who eats my bread has turned against Me" (John 13:18)

Have you ever been betrayed? By a friend? By someone you completely trusted? To even think of such an experience is beyond the emotional capacity for most of us. We all know how it feels when people take advantage of us; but to be betrayed by a trusted friend hurts much more.

For a pastor, who gives everything he has to see those in his care grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord, and then for even one to go a different direction, is hurtful beyond the ability to describe. This kind of heartache is deeper and more grievous than even physical suffering.

Our Lord was betrayed. He was betrayed by a close "friend." I Corinthians 11:23-24 informs us that He gave thanks on the night in which He was betrayed! The Lord was not thinking of preserving His life for Himself but of giving His life for us!

The Lord was not fooled by Judas. He knew all about the deceitfulness of the human heart (John 2:24-25). And yet for three years the Lord Jesus tolerated Judas. Why? Why such long-suffering and tolerance on the part of Christ? What incredible long-suffering the Lord has shown toward us!

How much hurt have we caused the heart of our Savior through our actions?How many times have we compromised the faith and betrayed our Lord for literally less than 30 pieces of this world's silver? Consider the deadly sins of wilfulness and lustful actions that lie in the depths of our own hearts (Jeremiah 17:9). Surely we must agree that but for the amazing grace of God, every one of us could take the place of a Judas.

May our all-too-frequent betrayals of our Savior, be brought to an abrupt end! May we, with His promised help, take action to live out a clear and genuine profession of faith in Christ Jesus our Lord.