He was our “Judas goat,” affectionately named for his job at
the Scott Sheep Company. When I was a little boy I had to deal with that big
billy goat that strutted proudly around Dad’s stockyard. He would lower his
head and chase me onto the fence, mostly I think just because he could. But his
main function was to lead the fattened sheep onto the rail cars that took them
to the place that turned them into lamb chops! Sheep followed him up the ramp
and into the stock car. He then circled back to the doorway, down the loading dock,
and back to his pen, where he enjoyed a nice meal and they were carried off to
die. Hence his name, “Judas goat.”
One of the more tragic figures in the story of Holy Week is
the disciple, Judas. Jesus was in
Jerusalem for Passover. His conflict
with the religious leaders was escalating. In the middle of it all, Judas decided
to collaborate with Jesus’ enemies and in that oh so sad story of betrayal sold
Him for 30 pieces of silver. Luke says, "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." (Luke
22:1-5, NLT)
The Gospels of Luke and John both tell us that Judas was used
by the Devil. So how did Judas open himself to the devil’s influence?
Was he motivated by greed?
Was he jealous of John or Peter?
Did he lust for power?
Was he motivated by greed?
Was he jealous of John or Peter?
Did he lust for power?
We just do not know.
What we do know is that Jesus called him. He was not a double agent, planted by
the Sanhedrin. But, he started to think thoughts unworthy of his calling. As
keeper of the disciples’ money, did he ‘borrow’ a little for his own use? Did he grow bitter when he started to
understand that Jesus was not going to start a revolution? Was he disappointed that he was not included
in the Lord’s inner circle? What filled
his mind is lost to history, but we know that his heart turned! The Devil
took advantage of his duplicity. Judas sold Jesus for a slave’s price. Like so
many who have followed him, only too late did he realize that the evil one had
played him. His shame and regret consumed him.
Many walk Judas’ path.
Those they sit among Jesus’ disciples, often
serving, they hold back a part of themselves.
They walk among the flock of God until the day that the Deceiver steps
through the door they have left open. Their
selfishness and sinfulness bring division and confusion to the flock of God.
Tragically, only after the damage is done do they see the error, the sin. My prayer for those deceived and used by Satan
is not destruction like Judas. I hope for their restoration like Peter! Judas could not let go of himself to seek
forgiveness and he took his life, consumed with shame. Peter, who failed too,
wept bitter tears and found a place of grace, going on to lead the Church.
James warns about living without the anchor of conviction,
"adrift at sea, keeping all your
options open. " (James 1:8, The Message) His counsel? "Say a quiet yes to God and he’ll be there in no time. Quit dabbling in
sin. Purify your inner life. Quit playing the field." (James 4:8, The
Message) Proverbs offers this insight -
"The integrity of the upright guides
them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity." (Proverbs
11:3, NIV) The person who gives himself
to the Lord, without reservation and remains tender in His presence, is kept by
the Spirit from the wiles of the deceiver.
When evil comes seeking an entrance, that person has no secret sin
waiting to be exploited, no cracks in his heart that offer access to greater
sin.
As we make our way through this Holy Week, let’s take this word
from the Word:
“Create in me a pure
heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
Do not cast me from
your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me.
Restore to me the joy
of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.”
The result? The very
opposite of Judas! We will never betray
Him.
We will exalt Him with praise! David continues his song.
“Then I will teach
transgressors your ways, and sinners will turn back to you.
Save me from
bloodguilt, O God, the God who saves me,
and my tongue will
sing of your righteousness.
O Lord, open my lips,
and my mouth will declare your praise." (Psalm 51:9-15, NIV)
______________
One Pure And Holy Passion
Give me one pure and
holy passion
Give me one
magnificent obsession
Jesus give me one
glorious ambition for my life
To know and follow
hard after You
To know and follow
hard after You
To grow as Your
disciple in the truth
This world is empty
pale and poor
Compared to knowing
You my Lord
Lead me on and I will
run after You
Lead me on and I will
run after You
Lead me on and I will
run after You
Mark Altrogge
© 1988 Dayspring
Music, LLC (a div. of Word Music Group, Inc.)
Sovereign Grace
Praise (Admin. by Word Music Group, Inc.)
CCLI License # 810055
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