The Loneliness of "Posing"

"Having received the piece of bread, he then went out immediately. And it was night." John 13:30

Oh, how dark that night must have been for Judas. Jesus honored Judas by serving him the sopped bread, even as Judas honored Satan by plotting Jesus' betrayal. And as he went out of that historical supper (alone) and into the night, it must have loomed especially dark, because from that point on, the darkness never left him.

I don't know all the details of the potential NFL strike. Football is a game grown men play, and have played since they were children. They have been blessed with skills and talents that set them apart from about 99.99 percent of the population. And because they are set apart, they are also given financial reward beyond imagination. So, I don't get the debate; call me simple minded.

This football example was not to make any political point. It's just that while reading Matthew's gospel, I was reminded of the God-given abilities Judas possessed: "And when He had called His twelve disciples to Him, He gave them power over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease. Now the names of the twelve are these: first, Simon . . . and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed Him." (Matt. 10:1-4)

Judas was one who had the power to heal, and cast out demons. He was set apart from 99.99 percent of the world's population to be selected for this inner circle of all history. An apostle's legacy was to last through eternity! In Judas' case, it would be a notorious one. Judas spoke four times in the gospels. Twice to selfishly lobby for money. Once to feign ignorance ("Is it I?"). And his last words recorded were accompanied with a kiss of betrayal: a betrayal of "convenience (See Mark 14:11). "

This betrayal was convenient because it was done in secret. It's what the chief priests wanted, for fear of the multitudes. An ironic tangle of human wisdom was on display as the chief priests were in such fear of man that fear of the LORD did not exist while they plotted the murder of His Son.

We strive for what to do. We strive to determine our purpose. We strive for direction, or riches, or power, or love. Hey, fellow saints, we are set apart. We have the opportunity to be in awe of this standing we have in Christ. There is no striving in Christ, just rest. By receiving Christ and following Him we have access to that historical supper, just like the apostles. What a contrast between Judas and John at this first "communion." John, so in love with His Savior, was reclined with his head on Jesus' bosom--at rest. Judas . . . plotting; striving . . . "What you do, do quickly," said Jesus. We all get to choose what we do with our seat at Christ's table.

Many follow the path of Judas because a convenient betrayal is . . . well . . . too convenient. The multitudes are watching. Joining is easy. Just show up at church, play the part, talk the talk, even feign loyalty ("Is it I?"). Church people all buy the act; they're sheep. But the emptiness remains, doesn't it? They go out quietly (alone) from that fellowship--from that historical supper, and it's a dark night. It could be high noon; but it is still night. Left to plotting and striving in this life, working hard at fooling others at the table, the darkness may come and never leave.

It doesn't have to be that way. In the church body today there are many at the table. Some are at rest in Jesus' bosom; others are plotting and striving, confused about this "rest." They are standing ever so close to the exit door, which leads to a dark night. In Revelation, Jesus says to a "wretched" church body that He stands at the door knocking. And if "anyone" would hear His voice and open the door, He would come in and dine with him. Even now, He is sopping bread of honor and offering it to those who hear His voice and open the door. For Judas it was too late. And it was night.

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