Scripture

While I was with them in the world, I kept them in thy name: those that thou gavest me I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition; that the scripture might be fulfilled.

~John 17:12, KJV

Quote

The saga of Judas is a mystery that no man can unravel.

~Ya’akov

One of the most popular pastors of the twentieth century was asks this question in the twilight of his life, “What do you know about the book of the Revelation?” He said, “The longer I live, it seems like the less I know.” I am in that same club. Judas is a conundrum. Who can explain all the details and the outcome of his life? There are some interesting facts: [1] He never calls Jesus LORD. [2] He was greedy and he did think money first on most occassions. Some people believe he had the disciples general fund in his pocket when he betrayed Jesus and the chief priest gave him an extra 30 pieces of silver. [3] BUT, if money was his only goal, why did he hang himself?

Some folks believe that Judas, like the rest of the disciples, envisioned Jesus being an eartly king. Some even think he was trying to force Jesus hand. He knew Jesus power. He had seen all the miracles including the stilling of the storm. He may have believed that if Jesus was backed into a corner, He would fight or use His divine powers. He and the the Temple police and the Roman cohort thought they were surprising Jesus in the garden but Jesus surprised them. He did not resist arrest and He dismissed His disciples. He never had any intention of His disciples fighting to keep Him alive. Matter of fact, I think everyone in the Garden was shocked except Jesus. He knew exactly what was going on. Matthew records this…Then Judas, His betrayer, seeing that Jesus had been condemned, was full of remorse and returned the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders and said, “I have sinned by betraying innocent blood.”  Of course, the priest were full of the devil and they quickly told him that they could care less if Jesus was innocent or what Judas was going to do.

It is something to ponder. I am not saying that greed was not a factor in the betrayal but I think the chief culprit was PRIDE. Judas had his eye on an earthly kingdom. He tried to make it happen but that was a costly mistake.

Extra

I think it was 59 when I got up this morning and they still have rain for Thursday and Friday. I am a doubting Thomas. I will believe it when I see it and I will praise Jesus for it. It is supposed to get up to 90 today but I think it is our last hot day for awhile. The chances go down daily for another heat wave.

We visited Courtney yesterday. She was asleep. Melanie Mitchell is getting chemo this week and coming home next week. Both of these families are in crisis mode and need our prayers.

I hope you have a great day. Thanks for reading the blog.