Sharing some words God laid on my heart yesterday. Be warned this is about a 5-7 minute read. This was inspired by two things: a song titled “I Will Boast” by Chris Tomlin and a book titled “12 Ordinary Men” by John MacArthur. It deals with the all enveloping question “What if?” I know I’ve been there and so have many others. What if I would’ve done this? What if this would’ve happened? WHAT IF?! Some of the lyrics to the song I Will Boast are: Nothing else, no other Love Goes so far and runs so deep Want to know how deep Christ’s love is? I’m sure we have an idea but really couldn’t explain it in words. So how bout we try with pictures. Besides they say a picture is worth a thousand words right? Well I think the picture God’s about to paint may be able to help show how deep. As Christians we believe Christ died on the cross to save the world; so we could have eternal life. God did not come into the world to condemn it but to save the world through Him (John 3:16-17). That in and of itself is unbelievable; because maybe, just maybe, someone might die for a good man (Romans 5:7-8). That wasn’t why Christ came. He came for those who weren’t too proud, selfish or “powerful” to admit they were a sinner. He came to set straight the need for a savior. He came first for the Jews (because they were spreading faith in Abraham; self promotion and good works and not the faith of Abraham) , then the Gentiles; but He still came for all (Romans 1:16). Alas, even His own were so lost they would not receive Him (John 1:11). Let me say, “I am a sinner and Thank You Jesus!!” The corruption of the world and human desire is very strong. One can be deceivingly carried away quite quickly if their guard is down for even a second. Don’t believe me? Let’s take a look at Peter. We all know Peter was a man of God, chosen as an apostle of Christ. He was also human. We also know he had the greatest experience I or any Christian could imagine; the availability of a physical closeness to God the Father through Jesus Christ. Can you imagine that?; having that type of physical closeness to God. WOW!! But even with that type of closeness, Satan will not give up trying to lure one into eternal damnation. We know Peter made some profound statements (both wise and foolish) and he also denied Christ (as He prophesied) when ultimately tested while Christ was still on earth. But to show how deep His love is for His true followers with a repentant heart Jesus reinstated Peter (John 21:15-17); He knew his heart. The story doesn’t end there. Jesus’ love goes deeper, much deeper!! Of the twelve disciples, only one was so vile and self-centered he was not fazed by the power and teachings of Jesus; Judas’ heart was so hardened he refused to be. That, my friends, is amazing to me. How could you witness the miracles, have the direct access to the God being and not want to take advantage of it? You could ask any question, confess and ask for help in any area of your life you’re struggling with, same as today but, He was there to show the example on how to live. He also taught the way. The apostles saw it first hand or as I like to say, “They had hands-on experience!” I believe Judas was predestined to be the one to sell Jesus as a slave to the high priests and Pharisees. I also believe his heart and selfish desires kept him from repenting; in turn solidifying his place in hell. So, how deep is the love of God? Imagine if you will, the night Jesus was betrayed, by Judas, being sold as a slave for 30 pieces of silver. Jesus knew and what did He say? John 13:27 “What you are about to do, do quickly” Nowhere in there did Jesus ever say to Judas and don’t come back. WHAT??!!! Hold up! Wait a minute! Jesus never said goodbye and good riddance?... Don’t let the door hit you on the way out?... Find new friends?... Nothing like that?... Nothing! Jesus didn’t say it because He was the Son of God and knew the Father’s will for Him. He was sent to earth to save the lost and knew He would have to die. Judas was used to fulfill the prophecies of old (Zechariah 11:12-13). We know Judas struggled with greed and had a heart so hardened by God he couldn’t see anything past his nose. However, here is where I speculate. After Jesus told Judas to go quickly, he did. He obeyed Jesus and didn’t think twice because it lined up with his selfish desire. So, I ask again. How deep is the Father’s love? Here was a man that walked with Jesus during His ministry and witnessed all the miracles and heard all the teachings of the Lord. On the night he betrayed Jesus, Judas knew where to find Jesus so he could’ve returned if he wanted to. Jesus said in Matthew 26:24 Judas was a man who would be better off never having been born. Scripture tells us Jesus said this because he was betrayed; But He knew He was going to be. I also believe He said it because He knew Judas’ heart was never going to repent for what he had done. He never truly accepted Jesus as the Son of God. Man!! Judas!! If ever there was a time for a Gibbs head slapping this was the moment (NCIS DiNozzo head slap, Google it.). So, here come the “What if?” questions. What if Judas, realizing what he had done, completely repented? What if after he had sold Jesus out, the devil left him immediately? What if he would’ve prayed, to God, a similar prayer as Jesus in Matthew 26:39? What if, after accepting the money, Satan leaves Judas and he is truly repentant of what he had just done? I can picture it now. Judas full of guilt runs back to the upper room as fast as he can. Bursting in the doorway he finds himself out of breathe. He looks at Jesus, looks at his hand holding the bag of money. His hand opens and as the money bag falls to the floor he looks at his partially cupped hands, then looks Jesus in the face and, in disgust, falls to his knees. As he’s looking down he’s trying to figure out a way to tell Jesus he finally believes He’s the Messiah. So, on his knees, Judas looks up to Jesus and his lips part. What did he say? I think Travis Cottrell states it best in the chorus of his song Just As I Am. I come broken to be mended I come wounded to be healed I come desperate to be rescued I come empty to be filled I come guilty to be pardoned By the blood of Christ the Lamb And Im welcomed with open arms Praise God, just as I am After having said those words, what is Jesus’ response? I believe it would be something like, “Welcome home my child.” WHAT?!! Are you for real?! He’s a Sell-Out... a Thief... a Sinner!! Yup, you got that right. He’s a sinner. That’s how deep the Father’s love is for us. Jesus said to the thief, “Today, you will be with me in paradise.” and to ALL who truly believe and are repentant. Welcome home my child.
Posted on: Fri, 16 Jan 2015 23:01:57 +0000
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