Immediately Judas went to Jesus and said, “Hail, Rabbi!” and kissed Him. And Jesus said to him, “Friend, do what you have come for.”(Matthew 26:49)
I have always been amazed at this verse. Jesus knew, He knew that Judas was full of satan, yet called him, "friend". He allowed him to kiss Him.
All the while - He knew.
As I read this verse throughout the years, I put Judas into a box all by himself. Until His Word taught me, a sin is a sin and any sin separates us from God, I never felt I was the same as Judas. Yes, in my life I have sinned. Many a time - and will continue - I am human. The battle to serve God or self will not end until my last breath. But - I never felt I sinned as much as Judas.
And I have.
And I will.
Again, I stand amazed at my Christ. Knowing what He did - and still - He loved Judas. He always reached out to Judas in love, grace, and mercy. Judas rejected - not Christ. And Judas was the one who sinned. Not Christ.
Then He puts into my heart and mind, "Deby, who are you not to extend love, grace, and mercy - to everyone. Who has betrayed you in such a way that Judas betrayed me? When did you go to the Cross?"
And I fall to His feet - humbled. I pray for those when looking at me to see Him - not me. I pray for Him to remove any sin from my heart. I pray that I may be Christlike to all - and yet........
There are times when I hang on to the pride, bitterness and anger. Knowing that it hurts my Daddy and delights satan. I am listening and heeding the urging of The Spirit more often than not. I am releasing that which is sin and focusing on Him. I am having faith that He will take care of those who cause me harm. I am seeing things through His eyes - the spiritual battle and not taking things so personal - making it all about me.
I am learning to let go and let God.
I am learning to call all, "Friend", praying that they may know Him.
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