Art by Scott Erickson
By Liz Vander Griend
It's so easy to say we'd never do what Judas Isacariot did. For 30 pieces of silver, (which, according to biblical scholars, it's value and purchasing power at that time varies) Judas, one of the twelve disciples, went to the chief priests and asked what they'd give him if he told them where to find Jesus. He accepted their bid and then looked for an opportunity to give the sign; a kiss on Jesus' cheek! Such an intimate betrayal for what would be the ranging cost of an iphone to a down payment on a house in the 253 (that is, if you're only putting down 3.5%)! Jesus, knew this was going to happen; the betrayal prophesied in the book of Zechariah (see chapter 11:12-13), yet as the Son of God washed Judas' feet and ate with him (as he did with the others) he knew Judas would be the one who would 'lift his heel' against him (John 13:17-18). Imagine that...
Judas' kiss was the key that unlocked the final events that led to the crucifixion of Jesus. What's in your hand today that you're exchanging for, for a relationship with Jesus Christ or a more intimate one with him? What is the enemy offering you for your loyalty and devotion to Jesus? He surely does not want you to continually abide in Jesus, so there's always going to be something placed in your hand, figuratively or literally, that is going to seem more important to you in the moment, but in all reality it is going to cost you the closeness, peace, and joy that you can only experience when abiding in Christ. Judas regretted his decision and later committed suicide, knowing he'd betrayed his friend, teacher and Savior.
Jesus willingly died so we could be WITH him in Heaven for eternity. During this current time, we are given more of an opportunity for personal reflection so I encourage you to reflect today, this "Holy Wednesday" or "Spy Wednesday", on what distractions or cheap offerings you could say "No" to, so that you have more time to be WITH Jesus. If the enemy has offered you lies, which could cost your salvation, there's nothing that Jesus' death on the cross can't cover the cost for. He loves when we turn to him and just talk to him and confess any sin; His forgiveness and love for you will be returned.Your hand might be empty, but your soul will be full!
Remember, the mercies of Jesus are new everyday, even on the days we decide to act like Judas.