TUESDAY, MARCH 7
Acts 1:15-20
Matthew 10:36

"… a man’s foes shall be
they of his own household."

BETRAYAL IS APOSTASY

Judas was called one of the apostles of the Lord Jesus Christ, yet he became an apostate. How he departed from his Master is enigmatic. He had experienced the grace of God in the most intimate way. In spite of the absence of deep grace in his own heart, he was used as an agent in the promotion of the work of grace in the hearts of others. Indeed, he was so near, yet so very far!

In Acts 1:15-20, the Apostle Peter addressed the disciples and brethren who were waiting for the promise of the filling of the Holy Spirit. He mentioned that "this scripture must needs have been fulfilled" (Acts 1:16), referring perhaps to the prophecy in Psalm 41:9: "Yea, mine own familiar friend, in whom I trusted, which did eat of my bread, hath lifted up his heel against me." Judas became the guide of them who arrested Jesus, thus committing treason of the highest degree.

It was a betrayal by one who sat with Jesus at His table. He ate bread with Jesus without being discriminated against and was treated as His own disciple. He dipped his morsel in the same dish as Jesus, like a special guest honoured by the Master’s presence. How could he betray his teacher and his God? Wherefore "it had been good for that man if he had not been born" (Matt 26:24).

Christians, we have been bought by the precious blood of the Lord Jesus and understand His great sacrifice. We know what wretched sinners we are. We are unworthy of His love, we are unworthy of His mercy, and we are unworthy to be saved. Yet by His abounding grace, He came to bear the punishment of our sins. If we truly believe these truths with our hearts, we must not even consider betraying our Lord and our God. Will we?

THOUGHT: Am I prone to betray?
PRAYER: "For it was not an enemy that reproached me; then I could have borne it: neither was it he that hated me that did magnify himself against me; then I would have hid myself from him: But it was thou, a man mine equal, my guide, and mine acquaintance" (Ps 55:12-13).