Last Wednesday night we studied about the life of Judas Iscariot. It was a sobering Bible study. Sometimes when you examine God's Word you are comforted. We all enjoy those times, but then there are times when God's Word convicts and challenges. The study of the life of Judas Iscariot caused me to examine my own heart.

First, my darling husband had us turn to the forty-first Psalm.

Even my close friend, whom I trusted, he who shared my bread,

has lifted up his heel against me. Psalm 41:9


This verse speaks of Judas Iscariot. Judas had been trained by the Master Himself, selected as one of the Twelve, sent out to preach the Gospel,performed great miracles and was there at the Last Supper. Why Judas would turn against Jesus is difficult to comprehend. Perhaps he betrayed Jesus for personal gain. After all he received thirty pieces of silver - the price of a slave, or possibly he thought he would gain favor with the elders of the Jews.

Judas Iscariot is a good example of a man who did not gain victory over his flesh. He had a great resume. He walked with Jesus. He held a position as treasurer. His eyes witnessed miracles and his ears heard the Truths Jesus taught, but he neglected to let the Spirit rule and reign over his will and affections.

There is an eternal lesson here for us. Coming under the Lordship of Christ has a lot to do with denying ourselves, taking up our Cross and following Jesus. Sacrifice and obedience is paramount when making Jesus Lord of your life.

Let us learn another valuable lesson from Judas. The Kingdom of God went on without him. (Even though he was the only office holder of the group.) Someone else was voted in his place. He was the person that lost out, not the Lord. If we don’t fill the place that God has for us the loss is ours, not the Lords. His Kingdom will march on to Zion. The gates of Hell will not prevail against it with or without the Judases of the world.