Betrayed to Better
I have long reflected upon a small and innocent man sold out by both His treasurer in an ancient garden, and His impulsive boy-like devotee on a cold eastern night around a fire, 2000 years ago.
Lies were told about Him, spineless men failed to protect Him and His life was stolen. For betrayal is the crucifixion of the innocent. Yet this too happened a thousand years prior, when a King caught in adultery so betrayed the innocent husband, and took his life.
Both Jesus and Uriah received betrayal from the closest of friends, or rather enemies that masqueraded as friends. Uriah died before learning this, yet how torn was Jesus when He turned and gazed into Peter’s unfaithful eyes in Luke 22:61?
Betrayals unite enemies and multiply lies.
Betrayal can’t exist where innocence is absent, for then betrayal would become judgement.
How can a betrayal ever be perpetrated when only truth is spoken, honored and grasped in firm hands? Yet – when the truth is told; trouble arrives.
However the cross is clear - out of betrayal arrives betterment, arising from the ashes is the phoenix.
To the betrayed:
It is absolutely essential that you are wounded in ministry and that you know the fellowship of His sufferings. It is such an essential part of the call, that we get wounded in the house of our friends, we get wounded by the people that we really thought we could trust, that we feel that kiss of betrayal that Jesus felt in the garden. Being betrayed and wounded is just a part of your development. If you want all the fullness of God, you have to experience all the fullness of life! If you want the power of His resurrection you have to know the fellowship of His suffering. So when you know that it’s part of our development, it’s easier to forgive those people who have done things to you. ~ Graham Cooke
Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory. (Romans 8:17)
Treachery is a conduit of grace, the fellowship of pain and a window to renewal. Rejoice with boldness for you know the best is yet to come.
The world despises the betrayed, but through betrayal God equips them unto His elevation.
The kiss of Judas is the first hint of a visible resurrection.
Today's Soul Snippet:
"A disciple's inability to rule his flesh is a timeless human failing." ~ Michael Cartwright
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ENJOY - Beating Betrayal