Judas betrayed Jesus. His name is forever linked with betrayal.

He sold Jesus for thirty pieces of silver, and we’ve all shaken our heads that he could betray the Son of God for so very little.

While I know Jesus was completely in control, came to die, and could have called down a legion of angels to His defense; I’ve wondered what could have caused Judas to play the role he played in betraying Jesus.

Have you?

What could have caused Judas to be ripe for the evil one to use? (Luke 22:3)

Many theologians believe Judas felt betrayed because Jesus hadn’t turned out to be the kind of Savior/King he had hoped for, and in his disillusionment, Judas betrayed Jesus.

And many today have Judas hearts.

Think about this, like the Parable of the Wheat and the Tares (Matt 13:24-30) many will try Christianity for a while, but when they come up against something they don’t like in the Word, or when God asks them to follow Him over their feelings or the culture, or when they don’t get what they were hoping for when they think they should get it, or when God does something they just don’t like… they go their own way and betray Jesus too.

A Judas heart wants their way over His way.

And when another “savior” comes along, they will sell Jesus for “cheap” too.

Judas hearts sell Him for things like-that unholy relationship, that drug to feel better, or that compromising career move that brings them praise.

Judas hearts do things like walk away from His ways so others will like them in our culture.

Judas hearts choose the ways of the world over the ways of God to appease their kids or others who they love more than they love Jesus.

Judas hearts do this because their hearts are not fully surrendered to the Savior. He does not reign there.

They are still on the throne of their lives following their ways over Gods’ ways.

And Judas hearts are easy prey for the evil one.

But all of us, even those who call Jesus, “Savior”, need to guard our hearts with all diligence (Prov 4:23). (we ALL do!)

We are to sanctify Christ in our hearts and regard Him as Holy. (See 1Pet 3:15)

On their own, our hearts are wicked above all things (Jer 17:9).

But as we trust in the Lord, not in ourselves, as we trust Him with all our hearts and refuse to lean on our own understanding, He will make our paths straight! (Prov 3:5-6)

We can test and approve what is good and be pure and blameless for the day of Christ (Phil 1:10) (we really can know)

It there that we will have hearts adorned for our King! Our first love!

Oh may the Bride of Christ be prepared!

For there is real hope, unspeakable joy and lasting peace to be found for those who fully surrender their hearts to Christ the Lord!

There is NO ROCK like our God!

ReadTheWord

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