42. Judas

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The story of Judas is a sad one really, a man who lost his love and made some bad choices, then regretted them.  The story of Judas may feel a million miles away from us today and our situation, but I don’t think it is. 

Idea 1: Betrayal When a bomb explodes it not only has with it a concussive force that smashes out and into anything in the proximity, it also obliterates the natural landscape and sends that flying too as shrapnel.  The destructive pattern and ripple that head out from a bomb or explosion can be catastrophic. 

Betrayal in a marriage, work relationship, home, family, friendship or employment, or wherever to be honest is like that explosion. It has its initial burst of force but often the shrapnel carries much further and wider than we ever imagined. 

Judas got this moment wrong and the impact would have shocked the group and those closest to Jesus. These things are never easy and require a lot of healing and recovery. 

Have you experienced this in any form? If you can and want to share with the guys in the group then do, it might help 

Idea 2: Agendas I don’t think these betrayals happen without some ground work, preparation and investment behind the scenes. When the wheel comes off in a situation I would suggest that often there is a back story and some previous weakening of the wheel nuts! 

Judas had a seed sown in his heart, money! A moment to cash in and get set for a bit, perhaps he thought this would end some financial crisis or need he had. 

We often talk to men about keeping an open heart, undefended heart with other men, and there is good reason why we do that. Being honest and real with a few guys helps keep your agendas pure and focused. So often alone and left to our own imaginations we can drift, big time! How are your agendas looking? The stuff you are doing, is it being done for the right reasons? 

Idea 3: Repentance Maybe for you today’s study is hurting as you have been the bloke who brought the betrayal and the situation actually still hurts you 

Repentance is sort of two-fold really, there is the act of saying sorry and making a real turn away from this moment, choice or habit in our lives. The second part of repentance for me is letting it become part of the journey forward, letting that forgiveness set you free. 

I am terrible at this but I hold onto the shame and guilt for so long, like some sort of twisted comfort blanket or something. Let it go men, repent and then let it go and keep choosing to walk away as a free man. 

Action

If you can and if it helps get this stuff to the surface, and bring it to the light. 

The freedom is life changing, and in the company of men you trust is a good place to get real with God.