October 13, 2013

 Betrayal of Trust 

Luke 22: 1 - 6

Luke

The Festival of Unleavened Bread, which begins with the Passover celebration, was drawing near.  The leading priests and teachers of religious law were actively plotting Jesus' murder.  But they wanted to kill him without starting a riot, a possibility they greatly feared.  Then Satan entered into Judas Iscariot, who was one of the twelve disciples, and he went over to the leading priests and captains of the Temple guard to discuss the best way to betray Jesus to them.  They were delighted that he was ready to help them, and they promised him a reward.  So he began looking for an opportunity to betray Jesus so they could arrest him quietly when the crowds weren't around.

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 Thoughts.....

Have you ever been in a situation where you have been betrayed or you have betrayed someone?  If you're the one who was betrayed, it is a painful situation.  If you are the one who purposely betrayed someone, your pain will come at heaven's gate.  You may even be acting out your pain from a situation when someone previously perpetrated against you.  

A man, that Jesus chose to go the distance with him, betrayed him.  Jesus knew Judas would betray him.  Perhaps God chose Judas because of his weakness, knowing full well that Satan would enter him and thereby ultimately usher the Messiah into heaven. 

Sometimes we never know when that off-guard moment will come from, but when it does, it can be surprising to say the least. 

In these two little paragraphs, we learn a lot about the 'What next?' of Jesus' life....perhaps even your own. 

Let's check out some history first.  The Festival of Unleavened Bread, per the notes from Mark 14:1 of the NIV LAB state that, 'The Passover commemorated the night the Israelites were freed from Egypt (Exodus 12), when God "passed over" homes marked by the blood of a lamb, while killing firstborn sons in unmarked homes.  The day of Passover was followed by a seven-day festival called the Feast of Unleavened Bread.  This, too, recalled the Israelites' quick escape from Egypt when they didn't have time to let their bread rise, so they baked it without yeast.  This holiday found people gathering for a special meal that included lamb, wine, bitter herbs, and unleavened bread.  Eventually the whole week came to be called Passover.' 

In the notes from Luke 22:1 in the NIV LAB we learn that 'All Jewish males over the age of 12 were required to go to Jerusalem for the Passover festival, followed by a seven-day festival called the Feast of the Unleavened Bread.  For these feasts, Jews from all over the Roman empire converged on Jerusalem to celebrate one of the most important events in their history.'

So we know that a lot of folks were converging to celebrate, and though 'the leading priests and teachers of religious law were actively plotting Jesus' murder', they did not want to start a riot, because they greatly feared retaliation from Jesus' followers and others in support.  In all likelihood, it could have taken on epic proportion per the numbers of people expected, especially from those following Jesus.  Remember, many were added to Jesus' church daily. 

'Then, Satan entered into Judas Iscariot who was one of his apostles....'one of the twelve disciples'.  'He went over to the leading priests and captains of the Temple guard to discuss the best way to betray Jesus to them.'  In other words, how he could point him out and open the door to doom, so to speak.  Nice guy.....I'm being facetious.  Nothing could be further from the truth.  What kind of person purposely sets out to hurt someone?  Ahhh....those of Satan's choosing.  Those who do NOT choose God, Jesus, Holy Spirit....they hope.  

The head honchos...the leading priests and captains of the Temple guard....were delighted that Judas was ready to help them.  How sad is that?!  It may have even secured his position with them.  He was promised a reward, perhaps a position (or better one) was indeed in his future....certainly money was to be awarded as we read in Mark 14:10-11.  In Matthew 26:14-16 it clearly indicates Judas is to receive 30 silver coins for his betrayal.

According to the notes for Matthew 26:15 from the NIV LAB we read that 30 silver coins was the price of a slave (Exodus 21:32).  We also learn that the religious leaders had planned to wait until after the Passover to take Jesus, but with Judas' unexpected offer, they accelerated their plans.

'So he [Judas Iscariot] began looking for an opportunity to betray Jesus so they could arrest him quietly when the crowds weren't around.' 

There is an interesting note in the NIV LAB re: Mark 14:10-11 which correlates to todays reference.  It states: 'Why would Judas want to betray Jesus?  Very likely, Judas expected Jesus to start a political rebellion and overthrow Rome.  As treasurer, Judas certainly assumed (as did the other disciples-see Mark 10:35-37) that he would be given an important position in Jesus' new government.  But when Jesus praised Mary for pouring out the perfume, thought to be worth a years salary, Judas finally began to realize that Jesus' kingdom was not physical or political, but spiritual.  Judas' greedy desire for money and status could not be fulfilled, if he followed Jesus, so he betrayed him in exchange for money and favor from the religious leaders.'  [Please note that every 'note' is an opinion based on the readings of many references, hopefully understood with the help of Holy Spirit, if one turns to him.  We expect them to be absolute, but keep in mind that, Holy Spirit can interpret one single reference many different ways to match the/our moment beyond what is clearly understood as the normative for understanding for any particular reference overall.]  

Let me ask you again, have you ever been betrayed?  Have you ever betrayed anyone?  Or caused, passively, a situation to occur whereby someone was hurt by an act of betrayal?  Or attempt to eliminate someone?  Not necessarily through death.  What about an employment situation?  A playground situation from childhood?  A group event where you didn't want someone to be in the midst?  Have you said you will pay someone something in exchange for something else and then attempt to justify your actions to not pay them?  Or have someone help you do something out of kindness and then not give equally in thanksgiving with gratitude?  These are just a few examples of how someone can betray another. 

Have you taken advantage of someone, attacked someone verbally without cause?  Perhaps you did something thinking you were being helpful and got yelled at for doing it, though you were never taught protocol?  Has anyone accused you of something they harbor within themselves, projected their negatives onto you and then yelled at you about them, attempting to negate and demean you?  It can be a very telling situation when someone does that....telling about the person yelling, if you KNOW that you do not harbor those 'attributes'.  It's a sad thing when an adult acts like a spoiled child placing demands, when kindness or gentle direction could achieve so much more. 

Have people 'picked at you' day in day out, finding fault where their instruction was never given, without ever applauding the right or good things you've done?  Or maybe, like me and the rest of the world, you are not perfect, and you are put down because of it, yet the other person taunting is far from perfect themselves?  Were you taught as a child 'for every finger you point toward another, there are more coming back at you'?  

Betrayal is a painful thing.  When you believe in someone, respect someone's knowledge, applaud their achievements, feel a comradery in the trenches and on the mountains, and they purposely choose to hurt you, it can be a most unsettling thing to see them crash and burn in your eyes, as their wisdom is shown to be circumspect.  From a spiritual perspective, it will be obvious whom they choose to serve, and it is NOT the Lord Jesus, Savior of the world, or Lord God, the Creator of the universe.  Certainly they are lacking in Holy Spirit being a part of their life.  Once this is understood, it should be obvious that the battle that rages one-sided 'at you', has nothing to do 'with you', but is indeed a spiritual battle between the Trinity in you and the spirit of the underworld....Satan in them.  It's at or during these moments we need to pray for the person who is combative.  It is their 'unwellness' that most needs to be addressed for prayer.  Or perhaps you are the betrayer and it is you who most needs prayer....and to turn to God for forgiveness, find the Savior to be healed, Holy Spirit to be immersed in a new life with new choices.

We will soon learn the fate of a betrayer to a child of God as we carry on with the story of Jesus' life as Luke tells it.  Please stay tuned as we continue to walk this journey together over the next few weeks.  In the meantime, consider your choices.  Are they the best choices?

Could you, if you are a betrayer, present information kindly, reach in equality, understand with a whole heart...oh....wait....your heart may have been broken....perhaps that is why you are 'acting out'?  My only answer is to turn to God, the author of life, and Jesus the redeemer of life to be healed, and Holy Spirit to be made whole to live a new life....free to live in kindness and love.  Freed from reprisal for previous actions against others, if you only believe in them, and ask forgiveness for your sins.

For those who have been betrayed and hurt by someone you used to respect, my answer is the same:  turn to God, Jesus, and Holy Spirit.  Only with and through them will you be able to cope with life in the world, as you keep your eyes fixed on them.  And pray for the perpetrators in your life.  That God will send Christians to surround them and help them make a choice for their life that will end in joy, not misery....life not death. 

In the meantime, if you are being perpetrated against, ask God if you are there to set things right, or, if he wants to protect you by removing you from the path of the roaring lion and fiery arrows.

Remember, as Christians, you are a Temple for the Lord, and he does not want someone beating on the doors to the point of destruction.  And know this:  As a Christian, you are to 'not bring sorrow to the Holy Spirit by the way you live.  Remember, he is the one who has identified you as his own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption.  Ephesians 4:30  You can be forgiven now, but only on the day of redemption will you be saved, IF you OBEY him in the meantime.  THIS is why we should fear GOD. 

If you are a Christian, or you are not, 'Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of malicious behavior.  Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.'  Ephesians 4:31 

Also, as a Christian, because every day is a day going into battle in the world, but not being OF the world, remember what Paul said in Ephesians 6:10-18:

'A final word:  Be strong with the Lord's mighty power.  Put on all of God's armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies and tricks of the Devil.  For we are not fighting against people made of flesh and blood, but against the evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against those mighty powers of darkness who rule this world and against wicked spirits in the heavenly realms.  

'Use every piece of God's armor to resist the enemy in the time of evil, so that after the battle you will still be standing firm.  Stand your ground, putting on the sturdy belt of truth and the body armor of God's righteousness.  For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News, so that you will be fully prepared.  In every battle you will need faith as your shield to stop the fiery arrows aimed at you by Satan.  Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.  Pray at all times and on every occasion in the power of the Holy Spirit.  Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all Christians everywhere.

And, as Paul requests for himself, I ask you, also....

'And pray for me, too.  Ask God to give me the right words as I boldly explain God's secret plan that the Good News is for the Gentiles, too.  I am in chains now [not literally, but figuratively, as pertains to me...as can pertain to all of us] for preaching this message as God's ambassador.  But pray that I will keep on speaking boldly for him, as I should.'

And I will pray for you, too.  If you are of Satan, I will pray for your release.  If you are of God, I will pray you will no longer be attacked.  Overcome the enemy....rise up against him!

Do not betray the Mighty One....God, Jesus, Holy Spirit....or any of his children.  "Vengeance is mine', said the Lord.  He will meet out his vengeance, of that you can be sure.  Betray not their trust, nor that of others.  

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 Let Us Pray   

God, Jesus, Holy Spirit, please forgive me for my sins, heal me, and make me whole.  Thank you.  Give me your strength to carry on in this world marked by the enemy....Satan.  Give me your words when I need them most.  Help me to know which steps to take to back off the enemy, and when to just retreat and allow you to take the lead to eliminate him.  Oh, Lord, life can be so difficult some days and decisions so hard to make.  Knowledge is one thing, but wisdom, which is the application of knowledge, can be an entirely different animal, so to speak.  Father God, my Creator and Heavenly Father, Jesus, my Lord and Savior, Holy Spirit, my Comforter, Teacher, and Guide, please direct my steps, clarify my path.  Let me hear everything you need to tell me and give me your power from on high, that I might, with all the love that comes with it, relay who you are, that you are, and how wonderful you are, and how marvelous it is to walk in and share your love and loving kindness.  It's great to have a friend, but Lord, I think it is greater to be a friend sometimes.  I have a mighty friend in you, but I believe you teach me to be a friend to others in your name.  To come alongside them with truth and love, kindness, gentleness, but sometimes that means I have to be very clear in giving truth, which may mean directed with firmness....in an assertive way, NOT aggressive.  Oh, Lord, that all would walk and teach as you.  The world would be so loving and caring.  I bow down to you, Lord, and seek your guidance Holy Spirit on where this path should lead.  I am humbled by your love and attention.  Let me express myself with your humility, not rage, as has been imparted toward me as of late.  Let me speak with the intent to nurture and uplift.  Help me empower, not attempt to destroy, as has been done to me.  Let me not be manipulated, as has been shown to be the others' path.   Help me be wise to all negative attempts to derail me.  I can see it all for that it is, Lord, and most assuredly, it is not your way.  Help me onward with my load, please.  Carry me, when I cannot go on.  Lift me up, when the way is blocked.  Lead me on the path of righteousness for you, O God.  Lead me on.  Holy Spirit, fill me to overflowing....now.  I need you and all you have to give.  Thank you.  I love you.  Amen.   

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Let us hear from Paul as he prays:  

When I think of the wisdom and scope of God's plan, I fall to my knees and pray to the Father, the Creator of everything in heaven and on earth.  I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will give you mighty inner strength through his Holy Spirit.  And I pray that Christ will be more and more at home in your hearts as you trust in him.  May your roots go down deep into the soil of God's marvelous love.  And may you have the power to understand, as all God's people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love really is.  May you experience the love of Christ, though it is so great you will never fully understand it.  Then you will be filled with the fullness of life and power that comes from God.

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Scroll down to read Jesus' Prayer of Thanksgiving...'The Unforced Rhythms of Grace'.

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    One last thing....

 Jesus' Prayer of Thanksgiving

'The Unforced Rhythms of Grace'

"Abruptly Jesus broke into prayer:  "Thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth.  You've concealed your ways from sophisticates and know-it-alls, but spelled them out clearly to ordinary people.  Yes, Father, that's the way you like to work."

Jesus resumed talking to the people, but now tenderly.  "The Father has given me all these things to do and say.  This is a unique Father - Son operation, coming out of Father and Son intimacies and knowledge.  No one knows the Son the way the Father does, nor the Father the way the Son does.  But I'm not keeping it to myself; I'm ready to go over it line by line with anyone willing to listen."

"Are you tired?  Worn out?  Burned out on religion?  Come to me.  Get away with me and you'll recover your life.  I'll show you how to take a real rest.  Walk with me and work with me - watch how I do it.  Learn the unforced rhythms of grace.  I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you'll learn how to live freely and lightly.

   Matthew 11:  25-30

  The Message

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"Amen."

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I now write most prayers in the position of ' I ' (first person) because most people are sitting at their computer alone, not in groups, and it allows those reading and praying to personalize the prayer as coming from them going to God.  Variations may appear on holidays when families may wish to use the prayer provided.  I encourage you to pray your own prayers as well.

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  Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright 1996.  Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189.  All rights reserved.

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NOTE:  I said it long ago, but let me say it again.  If you are wanting to lead a group, start a church, or are confined in an institution, or live in a country where the Gospel is not preached, and you don't know what to say or how to say it, and yet feel led to share, teach, or preach, besides just reading straight out of the Bible and sharing what God puts on your heart, please feel free to share any or all of what I've written, if it will help you, as long as you include where it comes from, due to copyright laws.  Jesus gave God's love and healing freely, as well as his message.  Our responsibility is to get the Word out to those who need to hear it.  If what I've written....by the power and direction of the Holy Spirit....or what he has said through me....has helped you, it may help others that you know.  You are welcome to share it.  God calls all of us to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with the world.  Please share it with the fullness of love that God, Jesus, Holy Spirit....and I....have given it.  Amen!   

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