A different take on betrayal and forces that rise up against us
Most everyone is familiar with the story of Judas in the Christian bible. His character is looked upon in a negative way, which is certainly understandable. He was a greedy, betrayer who had a lust for money which allowed evil to consume him. But, allow me to explain how Spirit/God works in mysterious ways. Let me show you why sometimes, we need the "devil" to push us forward in life. Sometimes we need a Judas to fulfill our destiny.
"Have I not chosen you, the Twelve? Yet one of you is a devil!" - JESUS (John 6:70 NIV)
A Summary of the Story of Judas
Using the Christian bible as a guide for this message, we come to the story of Judas. Judas was one of Jesus' twelve chosen disciples. He loved Judas, just as he loved everyone. Judas may have very well loved Jesus in return, but he struggled with greed and selfishness and often stole money from their coin purse which he maintained for their missions. In a key moment in this story, Jesus revealed that he was aware that one of his chosen would betray him. He even called Judas out and exposed him to the other disciples. He then told Judas to do what he had to do and to do it quickly. Judas chose to allow his selfishness and greed to take over, opening him up to be taken over by the devil.
Judas then betrayed Jesus for a mere thirty pieces of silver by revealing his identity to authorities with a kiss. Their offer was just too enticing for Judas to turn down and he let his desire take hold. In that moment, Judas gave over the one person that could have given him that thirty pieces of silver and more, for instant gratification. This action set in motion a chain of events that cost both Jesus and Judas their lives. Judas was remorseful for what he had done to a truly innocent person and tried to give back the silver, but there was nothing he could do to change what he did. The action had already taken place and the consequences had already been set in motion.
Sometimes We Need A Judas: My Conclusion
Remember, Jesus chose Judas. He knew good-and-well the vices that Judas struggled with. But, he ministered, taught, and walked alongside him anyway. He understood that he had a divine purpose to fulfill and that Judas was a key element in that fulfillment. He chose Judas and loved him despite him being a "devil". When he gave Judas the bread at the Last Supper, Jesus was not angry, and in fact encouraged him to continue on with what he had in mind to do. It was not up to Jesus to condemn him. He needed Judas to betray him so that he could carry out his mission.
It may sound ludicrous, but sometimes a "Judas" is just what we need to light the fire under our booty to make moves in the right direction and toward our purpose.
Sometimes, we require more than one to teach us lessons and open wounds to allow healing and light to get in. Sometimes, the things that happen to us, that we perceive as "bad", are the best things for us...opportunities to help us on our journey. These "unfortunate opportunities" (what I call them) allow us to address our traumas, egos, vices, fears, and wounds. They offer us another chance to step outside of our repetitive cycles and say..."It's time for a change"..."How can I be better...do better?"..."How can this be used to push me forward". Oftentimes, we get hurt or angry...we lash out or want to hurt back...we let it consume us and take us to the dark places of depression, anxiety, and discord...but what it was actually meant to do, was push us forward with more passion and make us stronger.
What Judas did was indeed very wrong...and even he realized and admitted that openly. He was remorseful and upset with himself. However, it was too late to undo what was done.
You may hate Judas for his evil...and rightfully so...
But Jesus needed Judas...and sometimes we do too.
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