Thank God for Judas...

Rise! Let us go! Here comes my betrayer!” While he was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, arrived. With him was a large crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests and the elders of the people. Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: “The one I kiss is the man; arrest him.” Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” and kissed him. Jesus replied, “Do what you came for, friend.”--Matt 26:46-50

Jesus called him friend...Judas the one who followed Him, the one whom He called disciple...the one who, in the end, betrayed Him. The moment Judas kissed Him, Jesus said, "Do what you came for friend."--friend? I have meditated on this one word many times, but until now I haven't received a revelation of it's significance.

Judas was untrustworthy, he was a cheat, he was a deceiver who smiled and followed Jesus all the while his heart was full of evil intent. How could Jesus, Who knew his heart call him "friend"...I have suddenly realized how important Judas' role was in my life. If it were not for Judas' wicked heart, if it had not been for his greed where would you and I be? His betrayal ultimately led Christ to the cross. It was Jesus' betrayer, Judas Iscariot, who was key in Jesus fulfilling His purpose...THANK GOD for Judas!!

We too have some Judas' in our lives, they follow us and smile all the while their hearts are set against us...but they do have their place in our lives--But only if we follow the footsteps of our Example, Jesus Christ, and go to the cross. Thank God for my Judas' who are wicked and whose hearts are against me--you keep me close to Christ and give me the push I need to crucify my own flesh so that I can in turn be more like Him, My God, My King, My Jesus--

Pastor Brandiilyne