“Then one of the twelve, named Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests and said, “What are you willing to give me to betray Him to you?” And they set out for him thirty pieces of silver. And from then on he looked for a good opportunity to betray Jesus” (Matthew 26:14-16).
Was this the final straw for Judas? He seems to have been on a quest to usher Jesus in as king on terms that in his own heart were driving him. As Scripture foretold, Judas betrayed Jesus for thirty pieces of silver. What does it take for us to take a bribe and renounce the call our Lord has given us? The world offers us immediate comfort or pleasure and we take that rather than follow the Lord who promises us a perfect eternity.
Lead me, O Lord, and help me to follow. You are the author of all of creation, and You know all that is needed. Help me to not be distracted by the whims and fads of this world. Help me to stay the course and follow you no matter what comes my way. You have the words of eternal life, and You have shared them with the hope of the Gospel. Lead me always and help me to follow You.
Lord Jesus, I need to be saved, for I cannot figure out amidst the noise of this world which steps to take. Clear my mind so that I clearly hear the truth of Your word. Guide me in the goodness of Your grace to humbly walk where You lead me and not betray You with my own ideas of how things ought to be. Lift me out of the mire of this world to walk the narrow path of faith, serving You above all things. Amen.
