In this article we want to explore more about Judas's portfolio as a disciple. This is a continuation from the Part 1.
JUDAS THE ACCOUNT
MANAGER
You might have heard different preachers speak on this
subject so you are not necessarily uninformed. Judas was also the accountant of
Jesus’ ministry.
Look at this;
“But one of
his disciples, Judas Iscariot, who was later to betray him, objected, “Why
wasn’t this perfume sold and the money given to the poor? It was worth a year’s
wages. ” He did not say this because he cared about the poor but because he was
a thief; as keeper of the money bag, he used to help himself to what was put
into it.”
John 12:4-6 NIV
Several comments were recorded but Judas’ response was
spectacular, very sensitive. The scripture mentioned that he had “intentions”.
It became obvious that “out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks”
(Matthew 12:34 NIV). Before then, he has been using part of the content of the purse for personal use. So that showed us another aspect of Judas’
life that I believe had been part of him before he was called to be a disciple.
This is what I put to you here; the fact that you called and
anointed with oil doesn’t mean you are flawless. God calls the imperfect to
make them perfect. He tell you to come the way you are so He can leave you
differently, making you become a better person.
BEING WITH GOD
Mark 3:13 NLT
“Afterwards
Jesus went up to the mountain and called out the one He wants to go with Him…”
This was an intentional decision. Jesus is too sensitive to
be oblivion to human’s character. As a matter of facts, Apostle John reported
this;
“…but Jesus
didn’t entrust His life to them. He knew them inside and out, knew how
untrustworthy they were. He didn’t need any help in seeing right through them.”
John 2:24-25 (MSG)
With the scripture above, one will wonder why Jesus still
went on to commit Himself to these twelve. However, their call came with these
conditions recorded in Mark 3:13-14; “…then He appointed twelve and called them
His apostles. They were to accompany him…” another translation says; “…they
were to be with Him…”
There is a being with God that makes you be like God. I call
it a being with God that impersonates God in your character and way of life.
It becomes too obvious that you have been with God. I cannot be hidden. It is
not some cliché saying “My Christianity is in my heart”. I beg to differ. If it
is in your heart then it must show in your act.
A classic example is Prophet Moses. He has one of the most
intimate fellowships with God recorded in the scriptures.
“When Moses
came down Mount Sinai carrying the two stones tablets inscribed with the terms
of the covenant, he wasn’t aware that his face had become radiant because he
had spoken to the Lord” Exodus 34:29 (NLT)
You see those words
here again; “…his face had BECOME radiant…”
and straight away we were told the reason for that ecstatic outlook; “…because he had spoken to the Lord”
How can you be with Jesus for three years and still have
nothing of His in you? No mind set or values of His had robbed off on you. You
have been a believer for the past 3 years or more yet your character magnifies
worldliness more than the Christian faith you profess to belong to. A lot are
just in Jesus’ company but not in His fellowship. Mary and Joseph were on a journey
for several days before they could notice that Jesus wasn’t with them (Luke 2:39-52). Have
you been on the journey and not know that Jesus isn’t on your boat. He hasn’t
been all along. Why didn’t you notice all the while? That’s what I call assumption.
As a believer, it is always necessary to evaluate our relationship with the
Master. A retrospect on how far you’ve come will open your eyes to shortcomings
and spiritual appraisal. The Holy Spirit never ceases to put the nudge in our
hearts. Sometimes it is like a continuous beep of a car when there is a
malfunction. If keep driving that car like that, one it will breakdown and it
may cost you than just money.
Judas has this tendency all along just like the other
disciples, the doubting Thomas, the Position seeker James and John, Can-anything-good-come-out-of-Jerusalem
Nathaniel, tax collector Matthew etc. But was Jesus in oblivion of these? No!
HE took them in such that being with Him will change their perspective. Judas
allowed the weed and the wheat grows together until the wheat could not thrive
again and alas the weed; the bad habits started finding expression. The truth
is, God gives us opportunities where He can eventually use our weakened as a
tool. He uses this to change our lives and that of other people provided we
sincerely come to Him.
A good example is Apostle Paul, he once protested as it were,
saying remove this torn in my flesh. But then a sweet response game form God
saying “My grace is sufficient for you”. God is saying, “It’s not that I’m not
seeing the problem or your weaknesses and vulnerabilities.
To be continued...
Thank you for your time.
Gabriel Obasa
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