“The RoseBouquet”

On the other hand, opposite Mary’s devotion, we have Judas’ betrayal of his Master.

He went by the name, Judas Iscariot, and is always mentioned last with the disciples. He may have joined them out of pure motives, but somewhere along the line he was convinced that Jesus would deliver Israel politically from the Romans. When he became disillusioned with that dream, he was willing to sell Jesus out to His enemies. He went to the chief priests and asked, “What will you give me if I hand Him over to you?”

Immediately they counted out for him thirty pieces of silver. That was the price of a slave. After that, Judas watched for opportunity to hand Jesus over securely.

It’s no wonder that through the centuries, people have hated this man, Judas Iscariot. But what can we learn from him to keep us from slipping down that path too? We are just as human as he was. Do we have certain expectations of Jesus and of God that are unrealistic? When we become disillusioned on that point, we are likely to turn on Jesus too. Countless numbers of people have.

Some believe that if a certain powerful healer touches them or prays over them, they will be wonderfully well. When that doesn’t happen, they may sulk a while and then - lo, we hear they aren’t going to church, they are studying other religions, or they begin to run down the Christians they know, and after a while they are vicious enemies of Christ.

Even mature Christians can recall times when they were tempted to doubt that Christ was enough to solve their problems. Judas is not so rare among us as we might think!

PRAYER: Oh Lord, we’ve pounced on Judas and renounced him as such a wicked betrayer, - when we stop to think it over, we’re in danger of being just as bad. Help me to have a clear grasp of who You are, and what You promise. Keep me humble and devoted to You - like Mary just before these verses. Amen.

+++++Jesus is my King+++++Jesus is my King+++++

Blessings on you Today!
Ruth Marlene Friesen

P.S. Ruthe is afraid to tell her family back home for reasons of her own, and this leads her to live a double life. The pressures build. Sooner or later she has to take some of the advice she gives others, for she’s getting into serious trouble! Ruthe’s Secret Roses.