Among the disciples chosen by Jesus was Judas Iscariot, son of Simon, who would betray Him. Judas had spent three years with Jesus, seen Christ perform miracles, heard Jesus teach and even let the Savior wash his feet. In spite of witnessing all this, Judas did not recognize that Jesus was “the Holy One of God” (John 6:69).
Over the years I’ve wondered how it was possible Judas did not understand Jesus was God’s Messiah. Or maybe Judas did know Jesus was the Savior and rejected Him.
When I think about Judas, I also find myself thinking of my own life. Yes, I believe Jesus is “the Christ, the Son of the living God” (Matthew 16:16), but sometimes I betray my Lord when I choose to sin instead of resist sin through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Each time I sin against God in Christ the darkness of ignorance fills my mind, and I fail to hear Christ declare, “I am the light of the world” (John 9:5). When I sin, I am rejecting Christ and his work of salvation in my life.
Fortunately, because I believe, Christ will not allow me to live in the darkness of my sin. Instead He sends His Holy Spirit into my life “that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know Him better” (Ephesians 1:17). It is the work of the Holy Spirit in my life that makes me different from Judas.
Denise Larson Cooper has a passion for Christ and sharing His Word. A wife and mother of two daughters, Denise currently works as a gymnastic coach.
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Godnesia: Keeping God in Mind Each Day http://amzn.to/2GSquOD
Ordinary Days With an Extraordinary Savior – http://amzn.to/2mFGASBLife Is a Metaphor: Recognizing God in the Everyday – http://amzn.to/2De1rU2