One of the stories about Jesus that challenges me would have to be Judas. Jesus picked him to be one of the twelve, knowing. It’s quite obvious that none of the other twelve had any indication. In fact, many of the mentions in the Gospel include the phrase, the one who would betray. Remember they are writing afterwards and hindsight is always 20/20. Jesus welcomed his betrayer in with love and acceptance. He had a place at the table. He had the money stores.
If you think about times you have been betrayed by another, if you knew what you know now (did that make sense?), would you pursue a relationship with this person ? I’d have to be honest and say, ahem, no. I would want to protect myself.
Jesus did.
With love.
Even in his last moments with Judas at the supper table, Jesus was kind. He could have called legions of angels to smite him. James and John to jump him. Nope, he gave him a piece of his body and said, go do what you have to do. (Even then the disciples were clueless…)
If I really ponder this, Jesus’ purpose was not to come to earth and protect Himself. Rather, He came to die because of sin. He came to show His people God’s love.
”While we were still helpless [powerless to provide for our salvation], at the right time Christ died [as a substitute] for the ungodly. Now it is an extraordinary thing for one to willingly give his life even for an upright man, though perhaps for a good man [one who is noble and selfless and worthy] someone might even dare to die. But God clearly shows and proves His own love for us, by the fact that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Therefore, since we have now been justified [declared free of the guilt of sin] by His blood, [how much more certain is it that] we will be saved from the wrath of God through Him.“
Romans 5:6-9 AMP
Christ died when we were helpless sinners. His death means life for you and for me. His death proves God’s love for us. His blood grants us freedom from the weight of sin.
I have been meditating on 1 Corinthians 13 for the past eight weeks. Trying/attempting to memorize. Ha. The review has been balm in the middle of the night. Those middle verses of what love is and isn’t, will I ever get them in the right order? Anyway, today, I am reviewing again and caught something.
Well, let me first say, Pam Gillaspie’s study of 1 Corinthians 13 has guided me through these last 8 weeks. If you have never done one of her studies, consider this your push. I’ve thought and processed deeper than I would on my own. I’ve been challenged to memorize. Look up Greek words, understand their depth. Here’s a link to her store: Pam Gillaspie
Back to our regularly scheduled program, let’s look at verse 12.
”For now [in this time of imperfection] we see in a mirror dimly [a blurred reflection, a riddle, an enigma], but then [when the time of perfection comes we will see reality] face to face. Now I know in part [just in fragments], but then I will know fully, just as I have been fully known [by God].“
1 Corinthians 13:12 AMP
Paul declares he knows in parts. When he saw Jesus, he knew he would understand it all. But friends, look here, we are fully known by God.
And we are loved. I know my thoughts and feelings. So does our God and He still loves us. Not to let me stay here, but to keep growing, keep putting the pieces together.
I can look at the story of Judas and marvel that my Savior loved a man who betrayed Him. If I’m honest, my choices do not always reflect obedience and love back to my King.
God met us at our very worst, we cried out, and He pull us out. Let us be the hands and feet of Jesus and extend our hands. To those with whom we disagree. I’ll end with this Psalm ringing in my head.
”I waited patiently and expectantly for the Lord; And He inclined to me and heard my cry. He brought me up out of a horrible pit [of tumult and of destruction], out of the miry clay, And He set my feet upon a rock, steadying my footsteps and establishing my path. He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God; Many will see and fear [with great reverence] And will trust confidently in the Lord.“
Psalms 40:1-3 AMP
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