One of those days Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God. When morning came, he called his disciples to him and chose twelve of them, whom he also designated apostles: Simon (whom he named Peter), his brother Andrew, James, John, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James son of Alphaeus, Simon who was called the Zealot, Judas son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor. Luke 6:12-16
Not too long ago I went to see my brother in law play guitar for a worship service at his church. The pastor’s sermon that morning was on the above verses. Verses that were so familiar yet during the entire sermon the last line kept playing over and over in my mind. He became a traitor. He became a traitor. How did Judas become a traitor? He didn’t start out that way.
I’ve heard it said by some that Judas was born to betray Christ otherwise prophecies in Scripture would not be fulfilled. I don’t believe that. His lot in life was to go to hell? No way. The Bible teaches that God wishes none to be separated from Him in Hell forever (1 Timothy 2:4). Judas had a choice. He chose to become a traitor. That decision ultimately drove him to suicide.
What amazes me is that according to the previous verses Jesus had spent an entire night praying, then in the morning chose twelve disciples. Judas was chosen. The one who would become a traitor. Amazing. Jesus in His Omniscience knew Judas would betray Him but chose him anyway. It’s like Jesus was saying ” I choose you to follow me, Judas”. I choose you to have a relationship with me, Judas. I know your heart and I can help you overcome, but it’s up to you to choose to follow me with your whole heart.”
If Christ were to call you to follow him today, would you? Why or why not? How do you suppose Judas was able to go from being chosen by Christ to being a betrayer of Christ?
For God in his wisdom saw to it that the world would never find God through human brilliance, and then He stepped in and saved all those who believed his Message, which the world calls foolish and silly. 1 Corinthians 1:21
The person without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God but considers them foolishness, and cannot understand them because they are discerned only through the Spirit. 1 Corinthians 2:14
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I agree with you. God has given to all of us the freedom of choice. He chooses us but it’s up to us to follow his path. We are never free of the temptations in this life. It is hard to keep Gods commands but as we draw closer it does become easier to follow. I often thought about Judas as well and wondered what if he chose God instead. Nice reflection.
Your thoughts are so true. Thankfully we have the Gift of the Holy Spirit that teaches us God’s will.
So nice to hear from you too, Jackie. May God richly bless you today!
For with God, nothing shall be impossible. Luke 1:37