Tag: Betrayal

On Betraying Jesus

On By Ed AlgreenIn A Lamp unto My Path, Adoration, Answered Prayer, Appreciation, Awesome God, Beyond Description, Blessing, Celebrate God, Needs, Praise, Praise-worthy, Recognize God, WorshipLeave a comment

DATE POSTED: Friday, January 26, 2024, and I was blessed to be at Advent Christian Village, Dowling Park, FL when God inspired me to prepare this devotional. My Footnote will tell you how to find, read or listen to any and all episodes that I have shared over the years.

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE FROM THE Amplified Bible (AMP) IS FOUND IN Luke 22:47-48

THE BIBLE TEXT IS: While He was still speaking, a crowd came, and the man called Judas, one of the twelve [disciples], was leading the way for them. He approached Jesus to kiss Him. And Jesus said to him, “Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?”

APPLICATION OF THE WORD: As I meditated on this very familiar Scripture today, it made me question whether I betray Jesus in any way. Oh my, did that open a ‘can of worms’ as I thought what this could possibly mean today. We come down hard on Judas for being a ‘betrayer’. For this means that someone who has ties to, and a certain allegiance to, may choose to turn them into the enemy, instead of standing up for them and being totally sold out to their safety, their advancement, their profit and their success. So, friends, I want you to stop and consider with me today whether you have anything in common with Judas. Let’s begin by being reminded that Judas was chosen by Jesus as a follower of His, so he was a disciple who had equal access to all things revolving around the life and ministry of Jesus. Are you a follower of Jesus Christ? Are you a member of his local church? When we answer ‘Yes’ to both of those questions, I believe that means that we have a certain appreciation for all that Jesus did to provide salvation for us and His promise to welcome us home to glory one day when we graduate from our home here on earth. This should make us ‘float’ around on a cloud every day rejoicing in the birth, death and resurrection of our Savior and Lord. But what happens when we’re put on the spot by our long-lost friend who is obviously apart from Christ and worships the things of this world while also following every evil wish and practice of its ruler? How many of us remain true and faithful to our Master? Or do we tend to cower and, perhaps, avoid even stating the name of Jesus in our conversation, or totally renege on our promise to promote Jesus in our words and our actions? How many of us quickly turn to denouncing the preacher on Monday morning for having stepped on our toes in the sermon the day before just by merely sharing the Word of God with us? Do we promote the name and person of Jesus, or do we more often disassociate ourselves with Him, depending on the circumstances? Have you ever given in to the ways of the world because of your circumstances? Judas did. He wanted to be popular, by being the one who aided authorities in capturing Jesus. He wanted the money paid for helping in the capture, for he was known as the one to watch over the treasury, or money bag for the disciples. To what extent might we go to earn a few extra dollars? Even if we have to look the other way on our faith, our church or our Lord? I believe God would have us examine ourselves and the things that we allow to impact our choices and our decision making. Is there an appearance of ‘betrayal’ in any of that? I believe that we must challenge ourselves to seek Jesus on an ongoing basis and ask Him to show us the ways that we are unfaithful in our allegiance to our Lord and or ministries dedicated to Him. We must be children totally sold out to Jesus, and not ones who are ‘in’ when it’s convenient or no opposition present. It is super important that we not confuse those who are looking to see Jesus in all of His glory working through His children. What might Jesus call our actions? Betrayal, a turning away, questionable as to whose we are, hypocrite, uncommitted, or are we truly a child of the King who will stand for Him in every circumstance of life?

PRAYER BECAUSE OF THE IMPACT OF TODAY’S SCRIPTURE: Lord Jesus, just as we are quick to ridicule Judas for his disappointing actions in betraying his Lord, I pray that You will continually open our eyes to the times that we tend to disclaim You and perhaps even dishonor You and Your name. We are certainly not ones who remain faithful in every circumstance of life, yes even at times when we know that we should do better in promoting the name and person of Jesus Christ. Please forgive us Lord, and I humbly pray that You will be even more intrusive in our thoughts and decision making to truly get our attention and give us a chance to be more committed. May it always be our growing desire to claim the name and person of Jesus Christ as our Savior and Lord, no matter the circumstances of this world and the darts thrown at us by the evil one. May the world see Jesus in us and hear about Him through our spoken word. AMEN!

FOOTNOTE: There’s another page on my website, entitled ‘To Know Jesus’. If you have been challenged to make a decision today after reading or listening to this devotional, please go to this page, or speak with a local Bible Teaching Pastor, or contact me at NuggetsFromGodsWord@outlook.com. Please allow someone to pray with you and give you help and/or encouragement as you begin or continue your walk with Jesus. If you would like to read more of my devotionals, or subscribe for a daily email containing each new devotional, please go online to NuggetsFromGodsWord.org. For my podcast, go online to Apple Podcasts or, using the Apple Podcast app, simply search for Nuggets From God’s Word to hear more episodes, or click ‘Follow’ to be notified of Podcast updates. Friends, please allow me to encourage you to find a church home nearby your home and attend as frequently as you could. Get to know God and allow His people to encourage and strengthen you in your Christian walk, while making every effort to be a blessing to them. God is at work among His people! Please consider growing in your faith, as you worship with fellow believers!

Is It I? or Is It You?

On By Ed AlgreenIn Answered Prayer, Appreciation, Betrayal, Commitment, Committed, Needs, Praise, Recognize God, WorshipLeave a comment

Monday, 2019-11-18

Bible Reference: John 13:18-21
Translation: The Passion Translation (TPT)

Bible Text: 18 “I don’t refer to all of you when I tell you these things, for I know the ones I’ve chosen—to fulfill the Scripture that says, ‘The one who shared supper with me treacherously betrays me.’ 19 I am telling you this now, before it happens, so that when the prophecy comes to pass you will be convinced that I AM. 20 “Listen to this timeless truth: whoever receives the messenger I send receives me, and the one who receives me receives the Father who sent me.” 21 Then Jesus was moved deeply in his spirit. Looking at his disciples, he announced, “I tell you the truth—one of you is about to betray me.”

OBSERVATION: To consider this topic today, is like saying to a crowded room ‘Will the perfect one please stand up’! For who do you suppose has been ‘perfect’, or fully obedient in every way to the commands of Christ? Wouldn’t you be like the rest of the disciples should Jesus say to your group that one of you will betray Him. Let’s humble ourselves before God and consider this very challenge that the disciples faced. Is it I, Lord?

APPLICATION: We could very easily see a group of Christians get upset if someone walked into their meeting room and said that one of them will betray Jesus that day. In fact, they would probably shoo that critique out of their midst immediately, thinking that he meant to go next door where the non-Christians were hanging out. But how often do Christians take for granted the awesome love that Jesus extended to them?; how often do we think about the sacrifice Jesus made just for us at Calvary?; how often do we imitate Him in following His example to only say what the Master has ordered us to say?; and how often have we sold out to the world when it comes to representing Christ in action, deed or word? I know, the immediate response is often but. ‘we’re only human’. However, for what purpose have you given your heart to the Lord? Is it not to promise Jesus that you will leave these earthly desires and sin, so that you might live a holy, dedicated, life for Him? As you do this, are you not saying to the world, ‘follow me as I follow Christ’? So, when you choose to deliberately defy the commands of Christ, ignore the love of Christ, and totally destroy your witness to the unsaved, have you not betrayed the trust that Jesus placed in you when you promised Him that you would love and represent Him for as long as you live? Friends, I believe that if Jesus walked into a room filled with, who we might consider to be the most respected christian leaders, and He said that one of them would betray Him, I believe they all would stand in open guilt, knowing that it could be either one of them. Do we set out to be like that? No, I would never believe that. But let me remind us today that when we become unconcerned and uncommitted in our faith, we tend to start accepting more and more of the world back in. When that pollution reenters our lives, we are easily swayed into doing the former things of life. The hurtful thing about that, is that you are now subjecting the Holy Spirit to all of the filth, because you invited Him to come and live inside of you the day you gave your heart to the Lord. Do you suppose that the heart of Jesus was broken when He realized that one of His own disciples would betray Him? How do you suppose our risen Lord feels when He sees you and I betraying Him still today? Just living in this world, we will be tempted, but let me assure you today, based on the very Word of God, that greater is He that lives in you, greater is He that is available to you when you cry out to Him for help and guidance, than he that is in the world! For those who know Jesus personally, know that we serve an awesome God – one who is greater, stronger and always willing to empower us to overcome the struggles of this world! Know Him today my friend, and know peace everlasting!

PRAYER: Precious Lord, Your weak and sinful children need You each and every day. The temptations of this world are real, and they are often stronger than we can personally overcome. Please teach us to always lean on You for the strength to face the challenges of this world, and to live noble lives ordained by our perfect Savior. For those that may find this whole devotional unreal, I pray that You would please speak gently to them and melt their heart of stone so that they may see Jesus in all His glory. Lord, I know that Jesus is the answer to all of man’s challenges today. Oh that sinful man might see Him and accept Him as Lord and personal Savior, and may we commit ourselves fully to Your care, Your power and Your direction. We need You precious Lord, every hour of every day. AMEN!

Consider Your Form of Betrayal

On By Ed AlgreenIn Answered Prayer, Appreciation, Betrayal, Needs, Praise, Recognize God, WorshipLeave a comment

Wednesday, 2019-09-11

Bible Reference: Luke 22:47-48
Translation: The Passion Translation (TPT)

Bible Text: 47 No sooner had he finished speaking when suddenly a mob approached, and right in front of the mob was his disciple Judas. He walked up close to Jesus and greeted him with a kiss. For he had agreed to give the religious leaders a sign, saying, “The one I kiss is the one to seize.” 48 Jesus looked at him with sorrow and said, “A kiss, Judas? Are you really going to betray the Son of Man with a kiss?”

OBSERVATION: A story that we’ve read and/or heard many times, yet the Holy Spirit will challenge you each time that you read it again. I bolded a statement that I was challenged with today as I read this Scripture. I trust that as we meditate on this, we might ponder what actions we take individually in betraying, or denying our Lord.

APPLICATION: Betrayal is one of the most painful human experiences. Discovering that someone we trusted has deeply hurt us pulls the reality rug from under us. We might look at Judas and wonder how could he possibly betray his Lord after seeing Him heal the sick; bring the dead back to life; feed the 5,000; show love to the unlovable; and sit down at the table with he and the other 11 disciples. Why Jesus even showed deep humility in washing the disciples’ feet. Yet for a small bag of coins, and a moment of recognition by the religious leaders, Judas escaped the reality of a loving Savior and joined the side of the enemy to crucify Jesus. I couldn’t help but ponder what we would feel like if Jesus looked into our eyes and asked the same question of us. Will you betray me with ______ Ed? Friends, we may not be in the same position as Judas, where we are selling out to the religious leaders, but I’m afraid that there are times that we hide our relationship with the Master. Perhaps in a public setting known for their stand against religious lingo, or Christian practices; Perhaps in the presence of government officials who are bombarded by fellow representatives who frequently speak of the separation of church and state; Perhaps just in a public setting, like a restaurant, where others may steer at you if you pause to give thanks for your food. I believe that anytime we fail to recognize Jesus in all walks of life, or are embarrassed to claim Him as your Lord and Savior, you are betraying the trust that He expects from you. Can you imagine hanging on a cross half naked and beaten to a pulp, because it was His way of displaying His ultimate love for us? Imagine if He would have backed out of that, because we were just not worth the pain it would cause our Lord? How would you feel about Him? Friends, is there anything you wouldn’t do in return for our Savior’s love and the provision of salvation made possible just for us? For Judas, it was a simple, everyday kiss that told the whole story of denial for him. What is it for you?

PRAYER: Precious Lord, thank You for never backing down on Your commitment to Your Father. Thank You for always loving us, and Your willingness to even be crucified just for us. Please touch our hearts today with a renewed sense of boldness and love for You. May our commitment to serving You be so strong that nothing will ever separate us from the love of God. Yes, we want to please our friends, please our government leaders, and be a noble citizen, but please give us the strength to never do any of that at the expense of serving You and being true to our commitment in loving You for all eternity. Oh that others may see Your love in us today and want to know You personally, before it’s too late. AMEN!