THE STORY OF JESUS: Matthew 27:1-5
“Judas was seized with remorse, ‘I have sinned, for I have betrayed innocent blood.'” (Matthew 27:3-4)
My experience is that this is how one feels after doing something sinful.
Someone once said the Devil speaks in two voices: he entices with sweetness and accuses with shame.
During temptation he plants thoughts that are so appealing, enticing, alluring.
But afterwards you feel sick for what you have done, and the Tempter becomes the Accuser.
How did Adam and Eve feel about the forbidden fruit before they ate it… and after?
From sweetness to shame, from desire to despair.
The wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23); this doesn’t just mean that God punishes sinners with death.
Already in that moment of shame, a despair that feels like dying naturally grips the soul.
Judas’ shame and sadness lead to the despair of death, and he takes his own life.
Judas is an example for all of us for what happens when we feed our sinful desires.
I know from experience how the Enemy first tempts, then accuses, and drives to despair.
I sense the Lord urging me to see the ways my sinful attitudes or behaviors are killing me.
As a Jesus follower, I choose to hear Jesus’ voice of mercy, not Satan’s accusations of defeat.
I mess up, I fail, but my Saviour never does, never will… His mercy is forever!
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, may I feel remorse, but not get stuck there. Seize my heart with mercy when I see my sin for what it is. May I hear You more than Satan, and hang on to hope!
Why do it? Why do I turn from doing what is right and do what is evil?
Even Judas saw this. He even said ‘I have sinned.’ It seems that the outcome was not what he desired. Scripture continues ‘for I have betrayed innocent blood.’ What was he thinking?
What does anyone think when he sins? For Judas it did not turn out the way he desired. It didn’t for Adam and Eve, nor for Peter.
Where does one turn in his despair? Despair blinds and binds a person. Peter cried to God. Adam and Eve still talked with their Father. Judas saw no way out. He closed the door in his relationship with the Father.
No God = No life
Know God = Know Life eternal
I too need to turn to God in my despair as Peter did.
Grace and truth shall mark the way
Where the Lord His own will lead,
If His Word they still obey
And His testimonies heed.
For Thy Name’s sake hear Thou me,
For Thy mercy, Lord, I wait;
Pardon my iniquity,
For my sin is very great.
He who walks in godly fear
In the path of truth shall go;
Peace shall be his portion here,
And his sons all good shall know.
They that fear and love the Lord
Shall His holy friendship know;
He will grace to them accord,
And His faithful covenant show.
Ever are my longing eyes
On the Lord, whose watchful care,
When my foes their plots devise,
Keeps my feet from every snare.
Turn to me, Thy grace impart,
I am desolate indeed;
Great the troubles of my heart;
Save Thou me, O Lord, I plead.
Look on mine afflicted state,
Freely all my sins forgive;
Mark my foes, their cruel hate;
Keep my soul and let me live.
Shame me not; I hide in Thee;
Truth and right preserve me still;
Mark Thy people, Lord my God,
Save Thou from every ill.