Jesus, being fully God and fully man, knew all things past, present and future, yet that didn’t stop him from loving and pouring himself into his betrayer, Judas. For 3 years he taught and served his 12 apostles for the ministry that lay ahead. In the gospel accounts of the Last Supper, Jesus confronts Judas’ treachery and basically tells him to get on with it. No need to pretend here (John 13). Finally, in the Garden of Gethsemane, the lowest point to which Judas sunk, Judas bestows upon the Savior a kiss. Nonetheless, this act once used to signify brotherly love or great respect and honor in first-century Israel now becomes a kiss of death as it reveals Jesus to the authorities; setting into motion the concluding days of the one who was born to die in order that we may live.
“But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8)
In Kim Phuc’s autobiography, Fire Road: The Napalm Girl’s Journey through the Horrors of War to Faith, Forgiveness, and Peace, the author shares her unforgettable story. During 1972 in the village of Trang Bang, (south) Vietnam, a 9 yr. old happy girl’s life is forever altered by a bomb. Her wrenching tale of constant, extreme physical pain and intense emotional distress, exacerbated by the war-winning government’s mind control and ultimate betrayal seems impossible for anyone to survive. And yet, upon a deeply felt response to the message of Jesus on the Cross, coupled with the Lord’s full deliverance on his promises, Kim Phuc Than Thi does more than just survive. She thrives and glorifies Him!
and provide for those who grieve in Zion—
to bestow on them a crown of beauty
instead of ashes,
the oil of joy
instead of mourning,
and a garment of praise
instead of a spirit of despair.
They will be called oaks of righteousness,
a planting of the Lord
for the display of his splendor. (Isaiah 61:3)
We all have our own struggles, as the aforementioned author puts it, our own “fire road” we’re traveling. For those who’ve experienced betrayal through close relationships, any type of organization or institution (including one’s own church), how we respond in our heart to the humble message of Jesus can make the difference between a life of self-righteousness, cynicism, and bitterness or a life of faith, forgiveness and peace. In His mercy, may our struggle be to shine for Him, even through the tears because Jesus alone fully understands what you’ve been through, what your sacrifices may have been or may still be and only He truly knows your reasons for having done so.
“For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. (Hebrews 4:15)”
Whenever a harsh, abrupt event impacts us it indeed has the power to devastate, but it’s often in our brokenness that we are able to see more clearly; ourselves as well as others. At times like this, our hearts can be moved toward greater humility upon further understanding that despite Jesus being betrayed, denied being known, and abandoned, and despite that He alone is innocent and without sin, that He willingly chose to die — not just for one of us, but for all.
“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Psalm 34:18
Blue Fjord Devotionals 