Holy Wednesday: The Covert Operator Spy

 

On This Day
On this day, Holy Wednesday, a covert operator of the 1st century went into action.  We call him "The Spy."  We know him by the name of Judas. He was motivated by the Satan who, via "Holy Men" was paid off to deceptively betray Jesus.

What Most People Don't Know
What most people don't know about this is how Jesus demonstrated the lengths he went to offer Judas grace and love; for example, on one occasion early in his ministry, Jesus sent out the twelve to accomplish powerful tasks. They healed the sick, cast out demons, and worked all kinds of miracles.  The Holy Spirit, with His power, made it possible for them to do what no one had ever done before.  Judas, in spite of all he was, was also favored in such a way. He worked miracles, cast out demons, and he healed the sick.

Additionally, even though Judas was identified as a thief, he was selected as the treasurer for the twelve. Finally, Judas was given 3 full years with Jesus to see him in action. On two different occasions, Judas participated with Jesus as he took minimal food and fed thousands.  He saw Jesus turn water into wine. He witnessed Jesus bringing sight to the blind, hearing to the deaf, and a full return of a paralyzed body to 100% function, Again and again, he was allowed to experience the miracle worker, Jesus, in action. Jesus did not reject him. He loved him.

Nevertheless, Judas did the bidding of Satan anyway. He did so via the god of money. Yep! The treasurer of the disciples was about to come into some real money that would give him some jingle in his step. What made it so painful for Jesus is that Judas accomplished his covert deed with a kiss to Jesus's cheek.  To which Jesus responded, "Are you betraying me with a kiss?" Jesus emotional pain was very real at that very moment.

It Can Happen To Us
I have learned from this: Satan can use people who should love us to bring deep emotional, even gut-wrenching, heart-breaking pain! We can still overcome in times like these just as Jesus overcame: We begin by choosing to forgive and allow God to take away our grief and pain. We can simply leave them with God for Him to do what is needed.  And, by HIS grace we can fulfill our God given purposes for God's glory. 

I do hope you, reader, don't experience such betrayal, but if you do, your Easter challenge is simply to forgive, pray for the one who has hurt you, seek God's grace to heal you, and leave them with God for HIS consequences to be enacted in those who betray you.  Then, wait and see.

SoJourner

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