Devotion.al

Tag: betray

  • Serving Your Judas

    Serving Your Judas

    ‌📖 Read

    ‌John 13:1—9; Romans 5:1–11

    ‌🔎 Focus

    ‌“For he knew who was to betray them…”

    John 13:11 (NRSVue)

    ‌“After he washed their feet…”

    John 13:12 (NRSVue)

    “…Christ died for the ungodly.”

    Romans 5:6 (NRSVue)

    ‌‌✟ Devotion

    ‌ washed feet. The task normally left to a or the lowest person (in hierarchy) in the household was performed by the disciples’ teacher, and the person we now understand to be part of the Trinitarian God. Or to put it differently, God took the lowest place and washed feet.

    ‌How often are we about us? Probably too much. For most people, our self is our greatest temptation. Whether it be pride, pleasure, finances, power…we often operate from an, “I am first perspective.”

    ‌Jesus washed feet.

    ‌Let’s note who was in the room. There were Jesus’ 12 disciples. There was this one, named Judas Iscariot, who would betray Jesus to the authorities. John tells us that Jesus knew that Judas Iscariot would betray him.

    ‌Jesus washed his feet.

    ‌Before Judas Iscariot betrayed him, and while Jesus knew he would, Jesus washed his feet.

    ‌Most of us could complete understand regret if Jesus were to have known only afterward. If you knew someone would betray you, would you actually them? Jesus did.

    ‌Our world far too often operates from a perspective of, “what have you done for me lately.” There are those that make promises for the future and we hope they might (or won’t) fulfill them, knowing far too well that all such promises fall short. We accept (or hope for) the reality that all will not be accomplished as promised.

    ‌Jesus knew what Judas would do, but he washed his feet.

    ‌Why keep focusing on this? Why keep repeating, “…but he washed his feed?” There is a general feeling of fear, even of , going on. Families are ripping themselves apart over and policies. Families and friends are allowing those who are not in a personal relationship with them to define their relationships with others.

    ‌There is and about not being in relationship with toxic or harmful people, but are we really correctly defining who are toxic and harmful?‌

    Judas Iscariot chose to betray Jesus. Judas could have repented (and some argue that he indirectly did). Would Jesus still forgive him despite his betrayal? Jesus washed his feet.‌

    🤔 Reflection

    ‌Who are the “Judas Iscariots” in your life? How do Jesus’ actions inform how you could (or should) interact with them? What kind of “wash their feet” might you being called to perform?

    ‌‌⏏️

    ‌Acts of service (i.e., washing feet) can take many forms. Purposefully and prayerfully look for acts of service for a “Judas Iscariot” in your life and do them.

    ‌🙏

    ‌Gracious God, help us put the example of Jesus forefront in our thoughts and actions, especially in regard to those by whom we feel betrayed. Help us to be gracious with them, as you have been gracious to us, loving us and dying for us while we were still alienated from you. Guide us into ways of thinking and doing the show loving service so that we might draw them to you. Amen.

  • Restoration

    Restoration

    Psalm 95; Micah 7:8–20; Mark 14:26–31

    In this passage in Micah, Zion is the personification of Jerusalem and the Promised Land. Zion also takes on the aspect of the people themselves. What is interesting is that Zion proclaims in regards to God, but the actual people weren’t open to that way of thinking.

    The recognition that the consequences of destruction are well-earned is also something many of the people would not understand. If we are honest with ourselves, none of us like the negative consequences of our actions. We only want the positive ones.

    The poetic hyperbole of the rebuilding of Zion is about the speed of versus the speed of falling into one’s own mire. God gave the descendents of Israel plenty of time to allow themselves to descend into the mess of their own making. God also gave them plenty of time to repent. They chose not to.

    God still loved them, though, just as God still loves us even when continue to do things that God does not want us to do. That is the beauty and the in the poetic rebuilding of Zion. In many respects, we can see a resemblance to what occurs when a person first truly gives their to Jesus Christ. Restoration! Restoration of our with God is always there waiting for our .

    When the disciples made such sure and quick promises to Jesus that they would never him, their words were honest to the best of their understanding. However, once the hard times came, they quickly ran away (granted, after today’s verses). They were truly overwhelmed by the (, religious, cultural, and political) that came to take Jesus.

    They made a rash proclamation and broke it quickly after. Jesus still came and restored the relationship. Restoration is always around the corner.

    ※Reflection※

    • How has God restored you? Can you recall how many times? What lessons were learned from them? What person or people were common in any of these experiences (whether individuals or roles)?
    • What does this tell you about God? What does it tell you about yourself?

    ※Prayer※

    Lord, under your grace and , we are always under construction. Thank you for working on us. Help us to surrender each wall, door, or room of our hearts that is not like you. Amen.

  • Poison Pills

    Poison Pills

    Psalm 70; Isaiah 50:4–9a; Hebrews 12:1–3; John 13:21–32

    Taking insults is hard. Taking insults in today’s culture is reality…especially on social media. It’s not just social media, though, not by far. It is pervasive.

    Isaiah faced plenty of insults. He was spat upon. People physically pulled the hair from his beard (Ouch!). He did not hide from them. Yes, we attribute these descriptions (rightly) to Jesus. They are also Isaiah. They aren’t descriptive of many Christians.

    Even among Christians, the willingness (sometimes, it seems, eagerness) to verbally rip another person into shreds is appalling. The willingness to question another’s -based upon what you think the other person believes all too often means that a Christian has put themself in the place of God. Even Jesus avoided that while on earth. If we’re Christ-followers, we should probably do the same.

    The writer of Hebrews talks about the sin that trips us up. Truthfully, much of the slander, belittling, and (well) judging falls under the simplified “don’t gossip” in regards to the Ten Commandments. It’s sinful. Before you state something about another, perhaps there out to be a litmus test that you put before God.

    I’ve been party/witness to far too many statements from fellow Christians that really don’t pass my litmus test of Godly truth (and I hold my litmus test lightly). I wish taking the red or blue pill would fix the problem (an allusion to both the movie the Matrix, and the Democrat/Republican color-coding). Maybe a purple pill will fix it (purple alluding to Christ’s royalty as king).

    There is no quick pill. It’s a long walk toward the and purity that is in Christ Jesus. That’s the endurance part of the run.

    We will have to endure the shame for not choosing a political party first, and instead choosing Christ. Most Christians when given the choice between their political ideology and Christ will say, “Christ”, but live differently. Instead of for Christ and eschewing politics, we choose our politics and try to shove God in the ballot .

    We condemn Judas Iscariot for selling Jesus out for 30 pieces of silver. We’ve probably sold Jesus out for a seat at the political table. Insults? You’re not a Christian if you voted for or supported __________! That’s not just judging, that is betraying Jesus.

    Judas Iscariot, despite all his faults and betrayal, seems to have been a friend of Jesus. I have a hard time understanding that, too. He wasn’t one of the close ones, but that he remained for 3 years? We condemn Judas (understandably), but Jesus loved him. For that, we should be grateful.

    If Jesus could love someone who betrayed him, that means he loves us, too. Jesus loves us despite our dabbling with worldly powers. Jesus loves us when we hurt fellow Christians. Jesus loves us when we drive others from his presence. Jesus loves us every time we him.

    ※Reflection※

    • Why is demeaning or belittling of other Christians bordering on a betrayal of Jesus?
    • Why do we allow our politics to come between us and Jesus, and between us and other Christians?
    • How can we be mutual witnesses to Jesus when our politics and even worldviews are different?

    ※Prayer※

    Assist us mercifully with your grace, Lord God of our , that we may enter with joy upon the meditation of those mighty acts by which you have promised us life and immortality; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the , one God, for ever and ever. Amen. [ Collect, Book of Common 2019]

  • Christmas Poured Out

    Exodus 33:12–27, John 6:35–40, John 17:6–24, John 18:8 (read online ⧉)

    Judas Iscariot—‘ betrayer—is often one of those characters that we just “go with the flow.” It is easier to just see him as the betrayer, rather than see him as what he was, . When we wrestle with the person that was Judas Iscariot, we often have to wrestle with the aspects of ourselves which may seem similar. Behaving in such a way that seems best and is ultimately still is something we have all struggled with. If you believe that you have never betrayed someone, think again. Betrayal often is our selfishness conflicting with the selfishness of another. Betrayal can seem to be opposing the dominant social theme (whether personal, tribal, or something larger).

    In the midst of the Christmas season (which it still is), it is easy to get caught up in the warm “fuzziness” of “good cheer”, fun, and gatherings. Sometimes, we get caught up in behaving that way because it is easier (or less painful) than being caught up in our own and trials. Going with the flow often seems the best (or at least easiest), yet the strains and trials are often what cause us to actually grown and strengthen in our lives. When we don’t behave in such a manner, some perceive us as “betraying” the “ of the season.” On the other hand, if we blindly follow the cultural flow we may be “betraying” ourselves.

    This all comes into play when we reflect on Jesus’ words about not losing one. He lost Judas, didn’t he? Or, did he? If one takes the predestination , Judas was “predestined” to Jesus. This, of course, denies Judas’ free will in making a choice. And, this is also why wrestling with our concept of Judas is so important. In the midst of being betrayed, or betraying , we have a choice. Jesus gave Judas a choice, and that is the real tragedy. Judas took a different path. Even knowing this, do you think Jesus mourned? Did Jesus feel betrayed? Despite all of this, Jesus still poured into Judas.

    1) What does Jesus pouring into Judas tell us about how we are to pour into others?

    2) What does betrayal mean to you? What “counts” as betrayal to you? Do others define betrayal differently?

    3) How do betrayal, forgiveness, and the go (or not) with each other?

  • Whys of Betrayal

    Psalm 55, 2 Samuel 16:15–17:10, John 13:21-32

    Betrayal. It’s not that we expect our enemies or adversaries to “play” fair, but our friends? Co-workers? ?

    It’s hard. It hurts. We often feel absolutely powerless in the midst of it. Then we feel angry. All very .

    The psalmist (probably not David, but maybe) goes through the woes of life. Things are not going well for the psalmist. The dark pit of despair, sorrow, and anguish. Those who have lost a very dear one and those that suffer with severe depression (or other similar conditions) know this place far too well. The human part of us flees for shelter. For many it is anger. For others it can be many other things, with many of them being unhealthy. Sadly, when caught in the pit, and feeling powerless, these hurting people hurt those they can, not because they want to, but because of a perverse need to. This is not to them , but to call it what it is, a sign of a fallen world, filled with .

    When Absalom overthrow’s his father, David, two of his father’s counselors come to him. Hushai deceitfully tells Absalom that he (Hushai) serves the king, whoever the king is. This is interesting as this should be exactly the words of Ahithophel, for this is the of Ahithophel. He seeks to advise the king, whoever the king is. Both are betrayers on the surface. One betrays the son to help the father (the rightful ruler) regain the throne. The other cares little, it seems, for who is on the throne, as long as he has and influence over the one who sits on the throne. Sometimes, when there is a role reversal (like being de-throned), it can seem betrayal when a person keeps their position in the new power structure (like Ahithophel). To that person it may not seem betrayal, but the right thing, such as supporting the organization, and not the person. Often, betrayal is not straightforward.

    Judas’ betrayal of Jesus was not straightforward. From a Wesleyan , Judas always had a choice. He made the wrong wrong one. Is this where we say, “thank you, God, for Judas’ betrayal?” Sounds wrong, doesn’t it? Yet, Judas’ betrayal seemed to be a key ingredient to the cross. Half a year’s wages to betray a friend? If asked, how many of you would look at your paycheck and say, “sure, I’ll betray a friend for half of a year’s pay.” None of us (hopefully). Yet, sadly, we betray each other for far less.

    Rumors, pride, envy, greed can all lead to betrayal, if they are not outright betrayal. What about that lie (white or not)? Is that betrayal? How about that thing you did that nobody knows about? Is that betrayal? When we look at Judas, we had better be sure we don’t say, “I would have never betrayed my friend like that.” Sure. Maybe. Take out the “…like that,” and rethink your .

    1) Judas’ betrayal seems so easy to see, yet we won’t see our betrayal’s of others. Is this another case of judging others?

    2) We often justify betrayal based on, “the bigger picture” or “protecting” someone. Does that really make it okay to betray others?

    3) If we evaluate our behaviors, betrayal is something we try to avoid acknowledging. Why do you think that is?

  • Drawing Waters of Salvation

    Isaiah 12:2–6, Jeremiah 31:31–34, Luke 22:14–20

    Isaiah is often not filled with much encouragement. This particular “song”, however, is a pronouncement of the saved telling the unsaved that they can be saved.

    Isaiah starts out with his salvation, and that his relationship with God is sound. He then tells the wayward hearer that they will joyfully (note they are miserable) draw water of their salvation. Then they will sing praises to God. Springs of salvation, or could we say Water? What do you think?

    Water is . This is a special in the desert, where water is scarce. From a scriptural standpoint, blood is the life of a creature. Thus when we come to , we are to consider both the aspect of blood as life (Jesus’ blood) and water as life (Jesus is the living water). When Isaiah speaks about the spring of salvation, it is reasonable to see a foreshadowing of communion.

    With its darker tone (the blood of Jesus), it is also easy to see that this is not quite what had happened before, yet had similar attributes to the sacrificial practices of the Israelites. When Jeremiah speaks of a new covenant, there is little chance that the Israelites would have expected how that covenant would come to be. That this new covenant also changes how the “law” worked would also be beyond expectation. How would the Israelites “know” God’s law? It is not until the is fully expressed that an understanding of this new way of the law fully revealed. There is also a special promise in Jeremiah’s New Covenant speech. If we all know God’s law, and have to be neither taught nor teach (admonish) . Looking at the world around us, and our own lives, the only way that happens is if we fully yield ourselves to God. Yielding ourselves to God often starts with the simple acknowledgment that we cannot fully understand God.

    The disciples didn’t fully understand God, and they spent 3 years with Jesus! Have you heard, if only Jesus were here, we’d get the real/whole story, and we’d understand (or even believe). If his disciples who were with him (even one going so far as to betray him) for years didn’t get it, would we be any more likely? With our post-Enlightenment and scientific tendencies, we might be even less likely to understand! Even Judas Iscariot (the betrayer) up to this point didn’t get what this specific night meant for the future. They were just celebrating Passover with Jesus.

    When we celebrate communion (a sacrament), we become participants in this last meal.

    Instead of the usual questions at the (besides, there were plenty of questions already), we will end with Book of Common Prayer, Contemporary Collect for the Fourth Sunday of :

    Gracious , whose blessed Son Jesus Christ came down from heaven to be the true bread which gives life to the world:
    Evermore us this bread, that he may live in us, and we in him;
    who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
    one God, now and for ever. Amen.

    US Book of Common Prayer, 2007