Do you know a Judas?

And even as he said this, Judas, one of the twelve disciples, arrived with a mob that was armed with swords and clubs. They had been sent out by the leading priests and other leaders of the people. Judas had given them a prearranged signal: "you'll know which one to arrest when I go over and give him the kiss of greeting." So Judas came straight to Jesus. "Greetings, Teacher!" he exclaimed and gave him the kiss. Jesus said, "My friend, go ahead and do what you have come for." Then the others grabbed Jesus and arrested him.
-- Matthew 26:47-50 (NLT)
Betrayed in the garden of prayer. Betrayed by a kiss. Betrayed by a friend. Unfortunately, betrayal in God's family did not end with Judas. Have you been betrayed by someone you thought was a friend in Christ? Have you been undercut by someone who was supposed to be a loyal confidant? Have you been wounded in what is supposed to be a place of spiritual safety? If you have, you know the wounds a friend can leave when he or she no longer is a friend! You know the pain of Gethsemane. But if this is your story, remember it is also Jesus' story. For you, for us, the story of Matthew's Gospel finishes with a powerful two-point message. First, watch Jesus as he is betrayed, denied, and forsaken by his most beloved friends. He is a pioneer for us on how to handle the agony of betrayal and abandonment. Second, speak honestly to Jesus about your wounds and hurts. He knows and understands not only because he is Divine, but also because he has been in our world with real human skin and longs to comfort and help you and me in our times of heartbreak.
Almighty God, please help me never be the one who abandons a brother or sister in Christ in their time of greatest need. I know I can fall because I have fallen to other weaknesses at other times. And Father, help me to forgive those who have wounded and abandoned me in my times of crisis. Cleanse my heart of bitterness and resentment so that I can be more like Jesus, who was abandoned so that I would never ever be completely forgotten, forsaken, or alone. In Jesus' precious name I pray. Amen.
For me this lesson for today hits home. I have been strugguling with a betrayal of a friend. Even though he is not a believer, he is a friend. The feelings and thoughts that accompany such a time are deep. It is not the betrayal so much as these mind games Satin is playing. I just want to forget and move on, but Satin keeps playing the game. So this message reaches the deepest part of my soul with a prayer of release.
Praise God,
shalom
dns