My friend Martin and I agree. Every time we study in the Bible about Judas, it is unnerving.
So many questions rise in our minds. But whenever we think about Judas it causes us to do at least two things:
1. Examine our hearts.
2. Address our hearts.
When I do the first and examine my heart I need to remember that just as Judas “sought an opportunity” to sin, my flesh will do the same.
I am also reminded that, just as Judas deceived himself and did something he later regretted, I can do the same. I can easily and willingly fool myself. Rationalization, excuse making, blame shifting... are all part of what Jeremiah 17:9 explains, “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?“
Then the sickening thought comes to my head: “It is possible to sit close to Jesus Christ – very close - and still not love him.” Judas did, for three years.
There’s lots more to think about and question when you think about Judas. But that’s enough for now.
So, after I examine my heart, then what? Well, Martin and I agreed. What do I need to do? I need to address my heart. I need to speak honestly to myself. Two things come to mind:
First, I need to speak honestly to myself about what I have examined. Where I see sin, especially at the motivational “deep root“ level, I need to see it for its ugliness. Then what? Then I must take it to the terrible cross for atonement. I need to admit that it’s worse than I think it is, and then in my revulsion, fly to the cross of Jesus Christ.
Then what? Then I need to address myself and confidently affirm that the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ is greater than my sin. I need to go from “self examination“ to a major dose of “Christ examination.“ By that I mean what Robert Murray M’Cheyne meant when he wrote “Learn much of the Lord Jesus. For every one look at yourself, take ten looks at Christ. He is altogether lovely. Such infinite majesty, and yet such meekness and grace, and all for sinners, even the chief! Live much in the smiles of God. Bask in his beams. Feel his all seeing eye settled on you in love, and repose in his almighty arms.“
Judas wouldn’t do that. Will you? Will I? So many questions rise in our minds. But whenever we think about Judas it causes us to do at least two things:
1. Examine our hearts.
2. Address our hearts.
When I do the first and examine my heart I need to remember that just as Judas “sought an opportunity” to sin, my flesh will do the same.
I am also reminded that, just as Judas deceived himself and did something he later regretted, I can do the same. I can easily and willingly fool myself. Rationalization, excuse making, blame shifting... are all part of what Jeremiah 17:9 explains, “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?“
Then the sickening thought comes to my head: “It is possible to sit close to Jesus Christ – very close - and still not love him.” Judas did, for three years.
There’s lots more to think about and question when you think about Judas. But that’s enough for now.
So, after I examine my heart, then what? Well, Martin and I agreed. What do I need to do? I need to address my heart. I need to speak honestly to myself. Two things come to mind:
First, I need to speak honestly to myself about what I have examined. Where I see sin, especially at the motivational “deep root“ level, I need to see it for its ugliness. Then what? Then I must take it to the terrible cross for atonement. I need to admit that it’s worse than I think it is, and then in my revulsion, fly to the cross of Jesus Christ.
Then what? Then I need to address myself and confidently affirm that the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ is greater than my sin. I need to go from “self examination“ to a major dose of “Christ examination.“ By that I mean what Robert Murray M’Cheyne meant when he wrote “Learn much of the Lord Jesus. For every one look at yourself, take ten looks at Christ. He is altogether lovely. Such infinite majesty, and yet such meekness and grace, and all for sinners, even the chief! Live much in the smiles of God. Bask in his beams. Feel his all seeing eye settled on you in love, and repose in his almighty arms.“
Judas wouldn’t do that. Will you? Will I?
Musing’s from Pastor John, March 21, Click to Email Pastor John