Tuesday, March 26, 2013

By: Gwen Hitt

 

Tale of Two Betrayals

 

Psalm 71:2   "Rescue me and deliver me in your righteousness; turn your ear to me and save me." 

 

 

When our children broke the established rules of our household, they faced consequences. If they chose to confess their actions to us, their consequences were less severe or even thrown out in some cases. However, when they refused to come to us to admit their deeds and to seek restoration, they had to face the full consequences of their actions. This was their choice.

 

A recurring theme throughout the Bible is that God desires restoration with His people. This is extremely reassuring because as Romans 3:23 states "for ALL have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." For a moment, I want you to reflect on the betrayal of two of Jesus' Apostles.

 

Peter denied three times that he even knew Jesus, and Judas turned Jesus over to the guards to be crucified. However, their response to their betrayal of their Savior was completely different.

 

Peter sought forgiveness. Judas--while "remorseful" (Matthew 27:3)--chose to end his life instead.

 

Peter's decision resulted in having Jesus proclaim the following words over his life in Matthew 16:18 "... you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my Church...". Peter was not only forgiven, but God STILL desired to use Him greatly!

 

Two betrayals --two entirely different endings. 1 John 1:9 offers the following advice "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."

 

It is not enough to "feel" remorseful for our actions. We have to take action, and seek the Lord for forgiveness.

 

My challenge to you today is two-fold. 1) Go to God immediately when you sin to begin the restoration process. God is longing to use YOU to fulfill His plans. 2) Respond with forgiveness to those who have betrayed you. Jesus knows what it's like to be betrayed and let down by those He loves. Judas betrayed Him with a KISS! However, God still made restoration readily available.

 

The choice to be used by God or to allow sin to overtake your life is yours to make as is the choice to extend forgiveness or hold on to bitterness. The outcome of your life will depend on your response to your actions as well as others.

 

Dear Lord, Thank You that as I am faithful to repent, You extend forgiveness and bring restoration in my life. Help me to extend that same love to others.

 

I thank You Jesus for dying for me. I believe that You are Lord and that God raised You from the grave so that I can have eternal life. In the Name of Jesus I pray, Amen.