DAY FOUR

ONE OF THE 12

We remember Judas as a betrayer of Jesus, but I would like to look at his history with Jesus. Judas would have been chosen by Jesus as one of the twelve. Judas would have traveled city to city with Jesus, without a home or new clothes, following Jesus no matter the cost. He would have prayed for endless hours with Jesus and watched him perform great Miracles. Judas would have attempted to lay hands on people in the name of Jesus. Before the betrayal, Judas appeared as a devout follower of Jesus.

Jesus would have known all along who he was walking with, sleeping with, and eating with. As the money holder for the disciples, Judas had stolen from them, but Jesus never rebuked him or sent him away. Jesus either forgave him or knew he was a part of God's plan. Imagine the forgiveness you need to walk daily with someone, knowing they are actively stealing from you and will aid in your death one day. Jesus knew Judas's plan before Judas knew his plan, but Jesus still loved and protected him.

The Bible says Judas never sought forgiveness and became “doomed to destruction.” It is possible he thought he'd committed a sin too large to be forgiven. It would take a lot of courage to talk to God and ask him to forgive you for aiding in the murder of his only son. It is written that Judas does return the money and realizes he has sinned. Judas would go on to hang himself, allowing his sin to completely destroy him. Even in all of this, Judas was forgivable, just not courageous enough to face God and seek forgiveness. I am sure the devil aided in convincing him of a lie that said this was an act he could never come back from.

We, too, may feel we are unforgivable, we've done things even we are disgusted by and humans may never forgive us for them, but our Father will. Remember, no matter how great your sin, God is always there for us, waiting to love and forgive us. Never allow sin to keep you from God. The devil will prey on our thoughts, speaking negativity, lies, and deceit to keep us from God. These are all tricks the devil plays. Your Father in Heaven loves you and wants to wrap His arms around you and welcome you home, no matter what you have done.