The Darkness of A Human Heart

They answered Him, "Jesus of Nazareth." Jesus said to them, "I am He." And Judas, who betrayed Him, also stood with them. (John 18:5)

In July of 2008, I preached a series on "Go to Hell Judas!" I know there can only be one Judas, because there is only one Jesus. We do not have another master of the "darkest human heart," in that we need not another Master of our souls to save us. What we have in the world today has to do with the Judas mindsets over against those of us who are by faith to be like Jesus. In my heart, in my mind, in my loving, and my entire being - I want to be like Jesus. What about those who are like minded to Judas?

I could not imagine ever finding a friend, who would turn on me as Judas turned on Jesus. Sorry, I could not. Those of you who encountered such early in life, it had to be horrible living so many years in suspect of other friends doing the same. Really. When at the age of 50 I was betrayed by a friend among friends, in the instant I became suspect of all. Miserable living.

Then, I studied again the story of Jesus. Believing in Jesus humbles me. I am no where near the worth of Christ, yet am worth so much that Christ died even for me. In so dying for me, He died for all believing in Him. I quickly let go of the feelings and suspicious behavior toward all. Not everyone has a Judas mindset. Even so, my prayer is for the poison in the heart of my so-call friend and others in the mindset of Judas to be removed. May our betraying and backstabbing would be friends be transformed within their hearts and come to live in the mind of Jesus Christ.

Judas should never be considered godly. Persons in the likeness of Judas are like dirty and deceased dogs. They are liars. Smiling in your face, while awaiting moments to back stab you. Cunning and tricky. Pray for them. Jesus did. They are not always persons you know to be unchristian. They may be so-called Christians, who are insincere and prying on your turf. Watch them dogs! However, in the end, it is not about you or me. No, no, no, it is never a sin against us. The sin is always against God.

What we are challenged to do each day has to do with looking in the mirror and asking: What kiss do I have for the God today?

Prayer: Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, I kiss you today from within a clean heart. Cleanse me for tomorrow and beyond that I may kiss you over and over with a heart of love. Amen.