The Wheels Begin to Turn

Judas, one of Jesus' closest friends, betrayed him, ultimately leading to his suffering and death. It is a story we know well. Probably one that causes many questions in our minds. What would have driven him to do it? Was it just the money? Was he frustrated with Jesus' mission and message? And then consider the aftermath of his decision - experiencing such guilt that it drove him to suicide. In fact, Jesus himself says it would have been better for this man to never have been born. But if he hadn't been a part of the equation, all that was prophesied about Jesus, the Messiah, would not have come true.

But what I wonder most often, is what would have happened if Judas' guilt hadn't driven him to commit suicide. Would he eventually had the chance to seek forgiveness for his betrayal? Peter disowned Jesus and yet he was reinstated on the beach that morning when Jesus asked him three times, "Do you love me?" Would Jesus have given Judas that same chance? Would the other disciples have been able to forgive his betrayal? I suppose we may not ever know the answers to those "what if" kinds of questions. All we know is what DID happen, and hear of Judas' tragic end.

So then, I am compelled to consider my own betrayal of Jesus. When have I sold Him out, instead of being sold out for Him? What happens when the guilt of my sin weighs so heavily, that I am tempted to believe I couldn't possibly be forgiven - not again. Guilt is God's way to drive us to repentance. But Satan would use it to drive us to despair causing us to question or altogether forget God's great love for us shown in Jesus' death and resurrection. It is a truth that can be hard to believe - that God would love a wretched sinner like me. But IT IS TRUE. He loves every person who ever was and ever will be, and Jesus' bought us back from death so that He could spend eternity with us!

This Lent, may the guilt of our sin turn us back to our loving Lord's arms, allowing him to assure us of our worth and His love for us, which lets us forget the sins of our past and live as NEW CREATIONS in HIM!