Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot, went unto the chief priests, and said unto them, What will ye give me, and I will deliver him unto you? And they covenanted with him for thirty pieces of silver. Matthew 26:14, 15.
Judas had naturally a strong love for money; but he had not always been corrupt enough to do such a deed as this. He had fostered the evil spirit of avarice until it had become the ruling motive of his life. The love of mammon overbalanced his love for Christ. Through becoming the slave of one vice he gave himself to Satan….
Judas was highly regarded by the disciples, and had great influence over them. He himself had a high opinion of his own qualifications, and looked upon his brethren as greatly inferior to him in judgment and ability. They did not see their opportunities, he thought, and take advantage of circumstances. The church would never prosper with such shortsighted men as leaders. Peter was impetuous; he would move without consideration. John, who was treasuring up the truths that fell from Christ’s lips, was looked upon by Judas as a poor financier. Matthew, whose training had taught him accuracy in all things, was very particular in regard to honesty, and he was ever contemplating the words of Christ, and became so absorbed in them that, as Judas thought, he could not be trusted to do sharp, farseeing business. Thus Judas summed up all the disciples, and flattered himself that the church would often be brought into perplexity and embarrassment if it were not for his ability as a manager.
The history of Judas presents the sad ending of a life that might have been honored of God. Had Judas died before his last journey to Jerusalem he would have been regarded as a man worthy of a place among the twelve, and one who would be greatly missed. The abhorrence which has followed him through the centuries would not have existed but for the attributes revealed at the close of his history. But it was for a purpose that his character was laid open to the world. It was to be a warning to all who, like him, should betray sacred trusts…. For thirty pieces of silver—the price of a slave—he sold the Lord of glory to ignominy and death.
Conflict and Courage p. 317
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Prayer Requests
—–I shared one of the Kindergarten Sabbath School papers with a lady at the pool. Please pray that she will read it to her children and will be open to Bible study. R
—–Praising the Lord again today for watching over Hudson. C
—–Please pray for my sister who recently got pregnant and is not keeping any good health habits. Zenobia
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Dear Friends,
Prayer. What a precious privilege! Think of it! Any time we want to, we may bring our petitions before the throne of the Omnipotent King of the Universe Who loves us so much that He sent His Only Begotten Son to this dark and sinful planet to die in our stead. Yet, how seldom we spend more than a few hurried moments in communion with our Heavenly Father. Somehow, we find time to spend watching TV or chatting on the computer, but feel that we are too busy for communion with the One Who loves us so. Today, I’d like to share with you Sweet Hour of Prayer, written by W.W. Walford. It is an old song that is rarely heard anymore.
Sweet hour of prayer! Sweet hour of prayer! That calls me from a world of care,
And bids me at my Father’s throne Make all my wants and wishes known,
In seasons of distress and grief, My soul has often found relief,
And oft escaped the tempter’s snare By thy return, sweet hour of prayer.
Sweet hour of prayer! Sweet hour of prayer! Thy wings shall my petition bear
To Him whose truth and faithfulness Engage the waiting soul to bless,
And since He bids me seek His face, Believe His word and trust His grace,
I’ll cast on Him my every care, And wait for thee, sweet hour of prayer.
Our Dear Saviour felt the need for prayer and often spent the entire night in communion with His Father in Heaven. If He, Who is our Great Creator and Redeemer, felt His need to pray earnestly for long hours, how much more do we, who are weak and sinful, need to commune with Him? Paul advises, “Pray without ceasing.” 1 Thes 5:17 As we go about our daily activities, our heart can be uplifted to our Great Redeemer, not just asking for our needs to be supplied, not just praying for friends and family, but also praising Him for His marvelous grace, for His blessings, for His help in every time of need, listening to His voice as He reveals wonderful things from His Word.
May we “rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice. [May our] moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. [May we] be careful for nothing, but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let [our] requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep [our] hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report, if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” Phil 4:4-8 Amen!
Rose
Enslaved by Money