Change of Heart

Now the Feast of Unleavened Bread, called the Passover, was approaching, and the chief priests and the teachers of the law were looking for some way to get rid of Jesus, for they were afraid of the people. Then Satan entered Judas, called Iscariot, one of the Twelve. And Judas went to the chief priests and the officers of the temple guard and discussed with them how he might betray Jesus. They were delighted and agreed to give him money. He consented, and watched for an opportunity to hand Jesus over to them when no crowd was present. [Lk 22:1-6]

How often have we shared the cup of communion with Christ on Sunday to deny Him by Friday? Or even by Monday? In a matter of days we have a change of heart.

It's quite possible some of those laying down their cloaks on the Sunday Jesus rode into Jerusalem were yelling "Crucify Him" on Friday. Or maybe they just stood at a distance. Neutral. Obtuse. Uncommitted. Maybe not clear-cut treachery as the betrayal of a friend with a kiss; however, it's not the worship and devotion claimed earlier.

"Death and Destruction lie open before the LORD—

how much more the hearts of men!"

[Pv 15:11]

The actions of Judas clearly demonstrates that now matter how close we follow Jesus, no matter what we witness of Him personally, and irrelevent to how long we have been in fellowship with Him, not everyone will genuinely accept Him and truly commit for life.

Judas betrayed Jesus, Peter denied Him, others scattered and hid when the pressure was on. It is one grave thing to turn away from Jesus. But may we always remember that the heart that turns away can also turn back toward.

Judas died in his state of enmity. Peter repented and died a saint. Which would you determine to be?

We have a tremedous advantage: Revelation. We know the end of the story. We live this side of Resurrection Sunday. We live this side of Pentecost. They knew none of these. We know that the destroyers plans failed. We have the hope of God's promise. We have read what He has done. We have the courage, strength, empowerment to endure from the Almighty Holy Spirit.

But we also know what God teaches about the hearts of men. We are to be very cautious and aware that we are as easily enticed and tempted as Judas.

Human hearts have a tendency to change. That is our both our threat and our hope.

Blessed Holy Spirit; Purify my heart. Make me steadfast in my faith. Bear the fruit of faithfulness. Breathe on me to live purposefully, emphatically, always for Jesus. Amen.

This is what the LORD says:

"Cursed is the one who trusts in man,

who depends on flesh for his strength

and whose heart turns away from the LORD.

[Jer 17:5]