Ron's Insights 2013

Crucified with Christ
by Ron Susek
©Golden Quill Publications


I have been crucified with Christ
Galatians 2:20

Part #3: Judas

      When a Judas enters your inner circle of confidants, then betrays you with a kiss, if at that time you can address him or her as "Friend", then, you are crucified with Christ.
      When Judas entered the garden of Gethsemane, Jesus said, "Friend, do what you came to do" (Matthew 26:50). Jesus submitted to the fact that His Father was using an evil man to fulfill His divine purpose. The same is true in your life, as well. In time, you will discover that all sons of perdition hang themselves. 
      Indeed, Judas Iscariot, who betrayed the Son of God, may uniquely stand alone as the unspeakable son of perdition, but his kind is found in every generation. While they thrive in the world, they are often found seeking high positions in Christian circles. They love to be among church leaders and, yes, even in pulpits.
      Judas betrayed Jesus in a garden of prayer, the least likely place one would expect such a dastardly act to occur. Likewise, the Judas in your life will strike in the most sensitive garden, an area where you should feel safe with a friend.
      It's hard to detect Judas. He looks and sounds legitimate. For instance, when at the Last Supper Jesus said one of them would betray him, no one pointed a finger at Judas; rather, they all asked, "Is it I?"
      Why should they have suspected Judas? After all, he preached the kingdom message, drove out demons and spoke well of Jesus, just like all the rest.
      The secret of discovering the potential betrayer in your life is twofold:Words and action. His or her words and actions will not consistently align. Judas called Jesus his master, but had his own selfish agenda exposed when expensive perfume was poured on Jesus' feet. He was enraged, calling it a waste.
      Perhaps Judas didn't intend to get Jesus condemned and crucified; rather, he may have been trying to force Jesus to conquer Rome and set up God's kingdom . . . now!
      To gain the throne without the cross, however, would have left Jesus with a kingdom of buildings without people; after all, no one could be redeemed without the cross.
      Blinded by narcissism, Judas could not see the consequences of his ambition. Likewise, the Judas in your life only sees his/her desires and not the will of God.
      A great test of your spirituality is this: When your Judas enters your garden, as evil and wrong as he or she may be, can you, like Jesus, greet that person as "Friend"? (See Matthew 26:50). This does not mean sharing a cup of coffee every morning, but rather trusting God's power to turn his/her evil into good. If in your heart you then can greet the violator as Friend, then you are crucified with Christ.
      And resurrection life will be yours.
 
Immanuel: God is with you!
Your friend,
Ron