Do Not Follow The Thief

 

John 10:1-10 KJV; 4th Sunday of Easter; Jesus is the shepherd that can lead you to abundant life. Listen to him and not those who will only lead you astray and destroy your life.

Good Shepherd

John 10:9-13 KJV; Jesus the Good Shepherd. Follow Him.

Betrayed

And while he yet spake, behold a multitude, and he that was called Judas, one of the twelve, went before them, and drew near unto Jesus to kiss him.

But Jesus said unto him, Judas, betrayest thou the Son of man with a kiss?

When they which were about him saw what would follow, they said unto him, Lord, shall we smite with the sword?

And one of them smote the servant of the high priest, and cut off his right ear.

And Jesus answered and said, Suffer ye thus far. And he touched his ear, and healed him.

Then Jesus said unto the chief priests, and captains of the temple, and the elders, which were come to him, Be ye come out, as against a thief, with swords and staves?

When I was daily with you in the temple, ye stretched forth no hands against me: but this is your hour, and the power of darkness.

                                                                                (Luke 22:47-53 KJV)

Jesus was betrayed when a disciple, a friend, kissed him. It is sad to think about; but, how often do friends betray friends? Under the cover of darkness, a friend is betrayed. Under the cover of darkness, darkness reigns.  It is difficult to know who will betray you. It is difficult when you are betrayed by someone who has at least pretended to be your friend or maybe they are even someone who has claimed to love you. It is most difficult when you realize that the relationship has not been about concern for you or your relationship with them; but, about concern to protect or prosper themselves. Whatever the reason; it is difficult when one finds out that the love and concern you perceived has been a lie all along.

Jesus knew all along that Judas would betray him. Yet, he did nothing about it. He knew that his betrayal had a good purpose in the end. The good purpose was worked through a trial, suffering and death. But, in the end, we can see that the betrayal played a huge part in God's blessing of all people.

When betrayed or persecuted, be not afraid. God is with you. He can turn the worst circumstances into a blessing for you and for others.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Celebrate Life In Christ

Then Jesus six days before the passover came to Bethany, where Lazarus was, which had been dead, whom he raised from the dead.

There they made him a supper; and Martha served: but Lazarus was one of them that sat at the table with him.

Then took Mary a pound of ointment of spikenard, very costly, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair: and the house was filled with the odour of the ointment.

Then saith one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, which should betray him,

Why was not this ointment sold for three hundred pence, and given to the poor?

This he said, not that he cared for the poor; but because he was a thief, and had the bag, and bare what was put therein.

Then said Jesus, Let her alone: against the day of my burying hath she kept this.

For the poor always ye have with you; but me ye have not always.

John 12:1-8 KJV

You are celebrating with friends. You are having a very pleasant time and suddenly someone begins to complain about something. Maybe, it's because you are having too much fun. Maybe, they are a bit jealous because they are not having fun. Who knows? There seems to always be someone who wants to insert a bit of drama into the party so that it is not so enjoyable for others. 

Judas was the party pooper at the party that was held in Jesus' honor. Can you imagine! Jesus has just raised Lazarus from the dead and Judas finds something to grumble about. Lazarus' sister, Mary, celebrated with a gift of expensive perfume poured on Jesus' feet and then let her hair down and wiped Jesus' feet with her hair. Judas was not happy. What a waste, he thought, and he let his opinion be known. Jesus has just brought a man back from the grave and rather than trust Jesus to be able to care for others, he tries to ruin the party by denigrating this gift from this woman who is rejoicing because her brother lives. Jesus excuses Mary by telling Judas to “Leave her alone, it was intended that she should save this perfume for the day of my burial. You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me.” (vss. 7, 8)

On Sunday morning, many of you will be celebrating by worshiping God. You will be gathered together to celebrate the fact that even as Jesus raised Lazarus from the grave; he, too, is risen from the grave and lives. Yet, there will be grumblers. There will be those within the congregation who will complain about something. Something will not be to their liking. So, instead of celebrating the risen Christ there will be those who insist on focusing on what they consider proper worship or who should or should not even be there worshiping with them. There will be those who take that time to celebrate to focus on budgets and who does or doesn't do something instead of using that time to remember and celebrate that Jesus lives and he lives among us.

Celebrate life. Celebrate your life in the living Christ!

God's Peace - Pr. J

He Provides His Kingdom

Consider the lilies how they grow: they toil not, they spin not; and yet I say unto you, that Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.

If then God so clothe the grass, which is to day in the field, and to morrow is cast into the oven; how much more will he clothe you, O ye of little faith?

And seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind.

For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: and your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things.

But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you.

Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.

Sell that ye have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth.

For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

                                                                                    (Luke 12:27-34 KJV)

Where is your heart? Where is your treasure? Is your every waking minute spent worrying about getting ahead in this world? Do you not know that even as God provides so that they flowers might grow; it is God who provides for your needs.

Yes, work; but, find pleasure in the work that God has provided you with. And; yes, enjoy all of the gifts that God has given you in this world. But, seek first the Kingdom of God. Seek His presence and you will know treasures beyond what can be found in this world. Seek His Kingdom and you will know the peace that surpasses all understanding. (Philippians 4:7)

God's Peace - Pr. J