Matthew lists the twelve disciples by name and tells us Jesus gave them power to cast out unclean spirits, and heal those who were sick. (Matt 10:1-4).

Judas was included in this list, and the text seems to suggest he also was given power to cast out unclean spirits and heal the sick.

As I think about this, I realize Judas was an unclean vessel being used for holy purposes. He, nor any of the other disciples, were at this point filled with the Holy Spirit (as this is pre-crucifixion and pre-Pentecost).

But God used Judas.

And God has used a host of men and women, who would later fail miserably in their lives and their ministries, to do good things.

I think specifically of those who have taught me about God through preaching or Bible studies who have later done or said the unthinkable. I think of those who have led ministries then walked away, deceived by sin.

It’s disheartening, to say the least. It has rocked me at times to watch those I thought might not fail—fall hard.

But, it does not mean the good things God accomplished through them was any less right, or good, or true.

Of course, I hope my current heroes of the faith never tumble into sin or shame; but if they do, I can still test what they’ve taught me and hold on to the good. I can still be thankful for the truth God brought through them.

And one more thing, we should take heed, we should all be warned —our flesh is still capable of failing. It will be until we take our last breath this side of Heaven.

The truth is, we need Jesus just as much today as the day we surrendered our lives to Him. And to forget this is to be foolish and to set ourselves up for a great fall.

readMatthew

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