(Genesis 1:27) What is the distinction between humans and all the other creatures God created? He gave us the ability to REASON! He gave us the ability to know right from wrong, to ask why, what, where, when and how and know there are consequences to our actions. Always! (1Chron 28:9b) What we say, do and think are all known to our Creator at all times. It’s comforting to remember there is no deed that goes unnoticed by God – no genocide, murder or heartache or any good of any kind!
Our hearts are known to our God. When God saw Eve sin, He saw the cross! When God saw Cain kill Abel, He saw the cross! When God saw Moses kill the Egyptian, He saw the cross! When God saw David choose Bathsheba instead of honour, He saw the cross! When God saw His people choosing pleasures of this world instead of trust and obedience to Him, He saw the cross. He died for you and me. All people are the same no matter what age of time is lived! We are sinners saved by grace if we’ve asked Him for forgiveness! That’s all it takes! And then do good and love our “neighbour.” Obedience and trust! Don’t waste our God’s great sacrifice!
When Jesus saw Judas, He knew He had to go to the cross! Judas was the money-keeper for Jesus and the disciples! It is noted that Judas was not honest. He liked money. Money was his God. Beware what is our God! “Lord, examine my heart....” (Psalm 26:2) Judas betrayed Jesus for 30 pieces of silver. When Judas saw what his betrayal had accomplished, he took the blood- money to give it back. The Leaders would not accept it. They had gotten what they wanted. Jesus Christ was condemned to die a cruel death! Judas threw the silver into the temple. I pray his remorse was the beginning of his redemption. God promises to never leave us or forsake us. Judas served a purpose just like the two goats in Leviticus 16:8-23 - Christ, the sacrifice for all sin and the second sacrifice set free! The disciples asked Jesus how many times they should forgive someone – seven? Jesus answered no, seventy times seven!
Everyone on this earth is in the sight of God 24/7. Matthew 10:26, 28 reminds us, “There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known....do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the one who can destroy both body and soul in hell.”
2Peter 3:9 promises, “The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise as some understand slowness. He is patient with you (me), not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”
Jesus loves!
Jesus Lives!
Jesus lives indeed!
Submitted by Rev. V. Young Retired
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Disclaimer: opinions expressed are those of the writer.