Yesterday I heard these Words, “Watch — for when God assigns a Judas to your life!

It’s always to catapult you into greater Destiny, and into the place of promotion!”

As I meditated on those Words, The Holy Spirit impressed one of many things upon my heart — Judas was not a distant enemy — he was one of Jesus closest companions among the twelve!

This is the chilling Truth!

Sometimes our greatest betrayals come from those who share the same intimate space with us — those whom we trust the most!

Just think — Judas had the incredible privilege of witnessing the Divine firsthand! He heard all the teachings, he experienced the mighty miracles, and yet, he allowed the whispers of greed and ambition to drown out The Truth that was right in front of him.

More often than not, Satan’s strategies to destroy us are often subtle. He doesn’t come in the form of an overt villain.

Sometimes he finds a ‘willing vessel’, and finds and entry point into the hearts of our closest friends — even our family — twisting and distorting intentions and sowing seeds of doubt, division and destruction.

Judas’ proximity to Jesus did not guarantee his faithfulness and/or friendship. In fact, it was his proximity to Jesus — a place of Trust — that made his betrayal all the more poignant and heartbreaking.

When someone we love and trust turns away, it strikes deeper than any external threat, and that’s why Satan often chooses to use those whom we have come to trust.

In the quiet of that Upper Room, under the glow of flickering oil lamps, a battle raged that was unseen by those sitting at the table — except for Jesus of course!

Yet in spite of the presence of “The Savior” being tangible and almost palpable, the Spirit of betrayal was in the atmosphere, seeking to take The Throne.

This is a stark reminder that the heart can be deceived in the midst of divine proximity.

Jesus knew what was coming. He knew that one of His Own would turn against Him and hand Him over to the authorities for a handful of silver coins. [As prophesied in Zechariah 11:12-13]

But Jesus, being without sin and full of Wisdom and Mercy, understood the depths of human frailty and greed — even in those closest to Him.

Yet, at that moment, Jesus chose not to cast Judas out, but to continue showing Love and Grace — thus demonstrating the true essence of His Ministry.

“Do you betray the Son of Man with a kiss?” (Luke 22:48) Jesus asked Judas, bringing forth the stark contrast between friendship and treachery.

A kiss — a gesture meant to convey love and affection — twisted into the instrument of betrayal.

Judas’ heart had become a vessel for darkness, even while he still wore the mask of a faithful disciple.

As we navigate through our own life Journey, we must remain awake, alert and always vigilant.

Proximity does not equal purity!

The enemy does not always use strangers — he uses friends and loved ones, who sit, breaking bread with us at the table!

Keep in mind, those whom we surround ourselves with, can powerfully [and effectively] influence the trajectory of our Faith, our actions and most importantly — our Destiny!

It’s essential to Discern who are those in our inner circle, and whether they truly align with the values of The Kingdom.

Are they those who encourage us toward humility and holiness, who uplift us — or are they like Judas, whose who will lead us to the precipice of our own betrayals?

Be wise in your relationships, seeking out those who have truly shown over time, that they reflect the Light and Love of Christ.

Be real! Check your own hearts, ensuring that you are not being used to channel the whispers of the enemy, acting out of selfish desire, rather than Divine Purpose and under God’s Direction.

 

Blessings to you all.
~ by Veronika West

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Veronika West

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