January 2, 2012

Acts 1:12-26 (Click to see scripture)

Bible in One Year Passages:
Matthew 1:18-25, Psalm 2, Genesis 3-4

Journal Entry

Scripture

Acts 1:24-25 - And they prayed and said, “You, Lord, who know the hearts of all, show which one of these two you have chosen to take the place in this ministry and apostleship from which Judas turned aside to go to his own place.”

Observation

After witnessing the ascension of Jesus to heaven, the eleven disciples gather together with the family of Jesus and others for a special time of extended prayer. Peter reminds them of the Old Testament prophecies predicting Judas’ betrayal of Jesus and leads them in choosing Matthias to fill the vacancy left by his defection. In addition to some graphic details explaining Judas’ suicide, Peter informs the motive for Judas’ betrayal: “Judas turned aside to go to his own place” (v. 25).

It is difficult to believe that someone who had been with Jesus daily could betray him. Judas had received the same calling, teaching and privileges as the other disciples. Although he was loved by Jesus and chosen by Christ himself to share in the ministry, Judas hardened his heart and joined in the plan with Jesus’ enemies to put him to death. In the end, Judas remained unrepentant, and he finally took his own life. Jesus predicted this betrayal and bitter end, but it was Judas’s choice.

Application

The sad events surrounding Judas goes to show that I can be close to the truth but not necessarily committed to the truth. I know Jesus well, I know his saving grace, I have experienced his goodness, I believe his Word (I study it daily and preach it weekly), and I have sworn to follow him, yet sometimes I find myself uncommitted to His truth and prone to “turn aside and go to my own place.” The “spirit” of Judas lives in me -- even though I am close to the love and truth of Jesus, I am capable of being unaffected by them in certain areas of my life.

Today I will examine my life and ask God to reveal those areas of my life that remain unaffected by his truth.

Prayer

Father, sometimes I feel as if my heart is made of stone—impenetrable even by your love for me and my knowledge of you. Forgive me. Would you show me the areas of my life that remain unaffected by your love and truth? And, would you help me to repentant and conform to your will? In Jesus name, amen.

--P. Michael