Judas Iscariot: A heartbreaking story

 3 Then entered Satan into Judas surnamed Iscariot, being of the number of the twelve.  4 And he went his way, and communed with the chief priests and captains, how he might betray him unto them.  5 And they were glad, and covenanted to give him money.  6 And he promised, and sought opportunity to betray him unto them in the absence of the multitude. Luke 22:3-6 

Remember as a child, people asking, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” We all had aspirations when we were younger. There were certain professions we would love to do and others that we would never dream of doing.

How about Judas? Did he realize that he would betray the Son of God? Did he plan this ever since he was young? I don’t think so; I believe the seed of deception started as an adult. John McArthur says, “He followed Jesus out of a desire for selfish gain, worldly ambition, avarice, and greed.” Judas wanted the power that Christ had. His motives were wrong, dead wrong.

The Bible says, Satan entered Judas, but Satan doesn’t just enter someone. One needs to entertain the thoughts of evil, mulling it over and over in the mind. This thought did not just “pop” into Judas’ mind. Remember when Mary poured the ointment on Jesus. What was Judas’ thinking? What a waste of money, this could be used for the “poor”. He didn’t care for the poor anymore than he cared for Jesus. It was all a facade. He was in it for himself. Everything he did revolved around him.

One of my grandmother’s favorite sayings was, “Oh what a tangled web we weave, When first we practice to deceive” by Sir Walter Scott. This basically sums up the life of Judas. It was a very sad life indeed.

Let’s not waste our life like Judas but use it to the glory of God. I’ll end with this poem.

Only One Life
by C.T. Studd

Two little lines I heard one day,

Traveling along life's busy way;
Bringing conviction to my heart,

And from my mind would not depart;
Only one life, 'twill soon be past,

Only what's done for Christ will last.

Only one life, yes only one,

Soon will its fleeting hours be done;
Then, in 'that day' my Lord to meet,

And stand before His Judgment seat;
Only one life, ‘twill soon be past,

Only what's done for Christ will last.

Only one life, the still small voice,

Gently pleads for a better choice
Bidding me selfish aims to leave,

And to God's holy will to cleave;
Only one life, 'twill soon be past,

Only what's done for Christ will last.

Only one life, a few brief years,

Each with its burdens, hopes, and fears;
Each with its clays I must fulfill,

Living for self or in His will;
Only one life, 'twill soon be past,

Only what's done for Christ will last.

When this bright world would tempt me sore,

When Satan would a victory score;
When self would seek to have its way,

Then help me Lord with joy to say;
Only one life, 'twill soon be past,

Only what's done for Christ will last.

Give me Father, a purpose deep,

In joy or sorrow Thy word to keep;
Faithful and true what e'er the strife,

Pleasing Thee in my daily life;
Only one life, 'twill soon be past,

Only what's done for Christ will last.

Oh let my love with fervor burn,

And from the world now let me turn;
Living for Thee, and Thee alone,

Bringing Thee pleasure on Thy throne;
Only one life, "twill soon be past,

Only what's done for Christ will last.

Only one life, yes only one,

Now let me say, "Thy will be done";
And when at last I'll hear the call,

I know I'll say "twas worth it all";
Only one life, 'twill soon be past,

Only what's done for Christ will last.

Have a blessed day,
Donna