Scripture

Our focus verse for today is from Luke 22:3, ” Then Satan entered Judas, surnamed Iscariot, who was numbered among the twelve. “

Background

Sometimes we feel just like that, don’t we? Whether it’s running on at the mouth about someone in gossip, yelling at the kids for their most recent foul-up, reacting in anger when somebody has provoked us, or you can choose your favorite betrayal, we certainly can claim at times to feel like Satan has entered us. But in spite of the guilt and the failures, what does God say about us? What can we cling to for encouragement when we’ve messed up again? Genesis 1 says that He made us, and in His very own image. He didn’t sit back and watch us evolve, and we clearly didn’t make ourselves. He made us to have a relationship with Him. That’s a good start. He also chose us, the very ones who are so weak and needy. He didn’t look around and then just settle on us, hoping we would turn out ok or live up to His expectations. Ephesians 1 says He chose us to be without blame before He formed the worlds, knowing what it would eventually cost Him. In John 13 and so many other passages, we are reminded that He loves us. First John 3 says He loves us enough to call us His children.

Application

Any love we might have for Him is only because He first loved us. We are told in Romans 8 that Jesus is right now beside God our Father, talking to Him on our behalf. Even hours before He went to the cross, He prayed that we would be with Him and see His glory. That’s hardly the actions of someone who gives up on us when we stumble. Jesus even washed the feet of the man who sold Him out for money. Whenever we sell Him out for our own benefit, He wants to wash our feet and restore us. And Jesus died and rose again for us sinners. Our sins and our weak faith and our inconsistent devotion do not catch God off guard. We can’t do anything to surprise Him. He tells us that where our sin abounds, His grace is more plentiful. The awareness and the guilt we feel when we sin are God’s gift to turn us back to Him in repentance. So be joyful that He is there waiting for you with the open arms of His amazing love.

Charge

As we seek Him today, find encouragement in the never-ending forgiveness that He gives us. Go to Him knowing that He knows you better than you know yourself, and He loves you completely. Let Him take any burden you are carrying and replace it with His peace and joy.