For A Pure Heart Of Gold

(Galatians 5:16-18) “Live freely, animated and motivated by God's Spirit… For there is a root of sinful self-interest in us that is at odds with a free spirit, just as the free spirit… Why don't you choose to be led by the Spirit …?”

Judas—one of Jesus’ 12, walked side by side with Jesus. Jesus knew, He even foretold the story of the betrayal, or the “hand over” as in Greek translation. It was premeditated. Not the result of a moment of panic, nor was it an exchange for his life, but for 30 silver coins.

The Son of God would soon face His trial, His demise. God’s plan? Sure. But Judas did not know this.

Why is it that Judas soon, very soon, became gravely remorseful after the betrayal, the famous "kiss"? What happened? Jesus did not even condemn Judas. Jesus only asked Judas, “Are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?” (Luke 22:48)

In our own lives we know, don’t we? Before we buy something we can’t afford, eat something we shouldn’t, take that pill, drink that drink or seek the love in all the wrong places, we know it! God, however, does not condemn us. (John 3:17, Romans 8:1)

We do a great job on our own of condemning ourselves. Our own (ie Holy Spirit) conscious eats away at our souls and tears our spirit into a million broken and shattered little pieces.

Judas was never condemned by Jesus, but by his own heart, which ate away at him like a disease and drove him to his death. We will never really know what took place in those last minutes Judas was on earth. Did he ask for forgiveness? Maybe. The story is to be continued.

Judas played a big part in the design of God’s plan, just as we do even when we are not as perfect as we wish.

For God will use the broken little pieces of our shattered lives and create the most beautiful mosaic design so that the entire world may enjoy. For this has been God’s ultimate plan since the Fall. (Gen 3)

May we trade in our pieces of silver for a pure heart of gold.

In Him,