DRAWING NEAR
MAY 30
Learning from Judas
The twelve apostles included "Judas Iscariot, the one who
betrayed Him" (Matt. 10:4).
Judas is history's greatest human tragedy. He had
opportunities and privileges known only to the other disciples, but
he turned from them to pursue a course of destruction. Yet even from
his foolishness we can learn some important lessons.
Judas, for example, is the world's greatest example of lost
opportunity. He ministered for three years with Jesus Himself but was
content merely to associate with Him, never submitting to Him in
saving faith. Millions of others have followed his example by hearing
the gospel and associating with Christians, yet rejecting Christ.
Tragically, like Judas, once death comes they too are damned for all
eternity.
Judas is also the world's greatest example of wasted privileges. He
could have had the riches of an eternal inheritance but instead chose
thirty pieces of silver. In that respect he is also the greatest
illustration of the destructiveness and damnation greed can bring. He
did an unthinkable thing, yet he has many contemporary counterparts
in those who place wealth and pleasure above godliness.
On the positive side, Judas is the world's greatest illustration of
the forbearing, patient love of God. Knowing what Judas would do,
Jesus tolerated him for three years. Beyond that, He constantly
reached out to him and even called him "friend" after his kiss of
betrayal (Matt. 26:50).
If you've ever been betrayed by a friend, you know the pain it can
bring. But the Lord's pain was compounded many times over because He
knew He would be betrayed and because the consequences were so
serious. Yet He endured the pain because He loved Judas and knew that
His own betrayal was a necessary part of the redemptive plan.
The sins that destroyed Judas are common sins that you must avoid at
all costs! Use every opportunity and privilege God gives you, and
never take advantage of His patience.
Suggestions for Prayer:
Thank Jesus for the pain he endured at the hands of Judas. Pray
that you will never cause Him such pain.
For Further Study:
Read 1 Timothy 6:6-19.
What perils await those who desire wealth? Rather than pursuing
wealth, what should you pursue? What attitude should wealthy
people have toward their money?
Drawing Near, Copyright 1993 John F. MacArthur, Jr.
All rights reserved. Used by permission.
http://www.gty.org
~~~
Matthew 26:48-50
48 Now His betrayer had given them a sign, saying, "Whomever I kiss,
He is the One; seize Him."
49 Immediately he went up to Jesus and said, "Greetings, Rabbi!" and
kissed Him.
50 But Jesus said to him, "Friend, why have you come?" Then they
came and laid hands on Jesus and took Him.
1 Timothy 6:6-19
6 Now godliness with contentment is great gain.
7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can
carry nothing out.
8 And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content.
9 But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare,
and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in
destruction and perdition.
10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which
some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced
themselves through with many sorrows.
11 But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue
righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness.
12 Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which
you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the
presence of many witnesses.
13 I urge you in the sight of God who gives life to all things, and
before Christ Jesus who witnessed the good confession before Pontius
Pilate,
14 that you keep this commandment without spot, blameless until our
Lord Jesus Christ's appearing,
15 which He will manifest in His own time, He who is the blessed and
only Potentate, the King of kings and Lord of lords,
16 who alone has immortality, dwelling in unapproachable light, whom
no man has seen or can see, to whom be honor and everlasting power.
Amen.
17 Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty,
nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us
richly all things to enjoy.
18 Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give,
willing to share,
19 storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come,
that they may lay hold on eternal life.
These devotions are posted with permission from John MacArthur's
first (1993) devotional work, _Drawing Near_, and they are also sent
out daily for free to several folks via e-mail.
In addition, John's second (1997) devotional, _Strength for Today_,
is also available free via e-mail only. _Strength for Today_ follows
the same format as what you have seen here from _Drawing Near_, but
with different monthly themes.
If you would like to receive daily devotions via e-mail from either
of these series, just let me know (via e-mail), and I will gladly add
you to the list(s) of your choice.
You can hear John MacArthur daily via the Internet by visiting:
http://www2.oneplace.com/Ministries/Grace_to_You/
and
http://www.gty.org.uk/
You may email John MacArthur in care of Grace to You at:
letters@gty.org
NOTE for those of you reading via newsgroups: If you wish to reach
me, please contact me via e-mail for quickest results.
In Christ,
Peter
Peter G. Chase :: Columbus, Ohio, USA
pchase@wowway.com
STOP! Who do you think Jesus is?
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There is a living God. He has spoken in His word. He means just what he says, and will do all that He has promised. - Hudson Taylor
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