Dial Daily Bread

Dear Friends of "Dial Daily Bread":

It seemed strange to me that during my 24 years of service in Africa, a mysterious question frequently cropped up in question and answer periods: “Why is Judas Iscariot so universally execrated when he was simply doing what the Bible says he had been ordained to do? For example, one year before the cross, Jesus had said, “Did not I choose you, the twelve, and one of you is a devil?” (John 6:67). Wasn’t Judas’ betrayal predicted in Psalm 41:9 (John 13:18)? How could Judas help himself if long before he was even born it was prophesied that he should do this evil deed?” These questions troubled me; on which side of the “great controversy” did these questioners really stand?

 

My African brethren long ago knew nothing of what is now touted as “The Gospel According to Judas Iscariot,” the current media rage, except that they seemed to share a widely rooted subterranean sympathy for the Betrayer. The spirit of Judas Iscariot was “enmity against” Jesus, the open demonstration of what Paul says is by nature true of all of us when he says, “The carnal mind is enmity against God” (Rom. 8:7). All during Judas’ association with the Twelve, he was secretly trying to foment rebellion against Jesus, although for a time he was not himself conscious of his true spirit. Apparently he joined with the Twelve in the missionary journeys and even succeeded in casting out devils (Matt. 10:5-8; Luke 10:17, 18—a solemn disclosure—a servant of Satan can cast out Satan and work miracles!).

 

God’s foreknowledge is something He cannot help having, but it is not fore-ordination. God foreknew what Lucifer in his rebellion in heaven would become, but God did not program Lucifer to become the devil, or Satan. Luicifer himself chose to become what he became. It was the same with Judas Iscariot; the erstwhile disciple had what all of us have—freedom of choice. Like all who will at last be lost, he was a new “Esau” who had been given the precious “birthright” of eternal salvation but chose to “despise” and “sell” it.

 

Judas allowed something very prevalent and very modern to finally possess his soul: the love of money. Treasurer of the infant church, he allowed himself to become a thief (John 12:6) until he lost control and sold his Lord for the price of a slave (Ex. 21:32).

 

The story of Judas reminds us how easily we can switch sides in “the great controversy between Christ and Satan.” Oh Lord, save us from ourselves!

Be sure to check your e-mail for "Dial Daily Bread" again tomorrow.

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Robert J. Wieland's inspirational "Dial Daily Bread" phone message is available via e-mail to anyone who wishes to receive a daily portion of uplifting Good News. "Dial Daily Bread" is FREE. Due to travel or other circumstances, there may be intervals when "Dial Daily Bread" will not be sent.