Matthew 27:4

New International Version (NIV)

“I have sinned,” he said, “for I have betrayed innocent blood.”

“What is that to us?” they replied. “That’s your responsibility.”

For meditation

The slippery highway of sin! How deceptive and destructive it is, and terrible the end! It’s so deceptive that it’s difficult to acknowledge when cruising on it, especially when the roads that feed it are well-angled and long enough for smooth merges. Many a traveler has failed to realize the directional change in their life until they drive into a trouble spot and a regrettable experience. Until then, the ride is smooth and gratifying, and no one could suggest to the traveler that their destination is Motel Death. Consider how is started with Judas Iscariot.

With excitement building for the liberation of Israel from Roman rule through Jesus, Judas enrolls as one of his disciples. One bright morning, Jesus calls all His disciples together for something important – the choosing of a special corps He would designate, apostles (Lk. 6:13). They were to “be with him and that he might send them out to preach and to have authority to drive out demons” (Mk. 3:14-15). This was a big deal, so expectation was high. Judas Iscariot is called as the twelfth apostle (16). The mission begins, and name recognition and fame come along. Donations pour in, so Judas Iscariot is appointed treasurer. Jesus calls the twelve together and gives them authority to “drive out evil spirits and to heal every disease and sickness” (Matt. 10:1). Opportunities are expanding for Judas, but he fails to guard against what was coming.

 When the basic flaws of the heart are not dealt with, it is so easy for success to turn sour, and for negativity to cloud a positive outlook.

Greed tightens its grip on Judas’ heart, and soon he begins to steal from the treasury. Failure to sacrifice his hatred for Rome on the altar of mercy and grace is making Judas increasingly hateful of Jesus. He is now cruising on Sin Highway and heading for a suicidal end, but he does not see it. Thirty pieces of silver closes the deal for him, and Judas betrays Jesus (26:15). Finally, remorse sends him to commit suicide by hanging on a tree (27:3). And hell opened its doors to give him a hearty welcome. That’s where the slippery highway of sin takes its patrons.

I pray you will step on the breaks right where you are right now and take the next exit the Holy Spirit has opened onto the country road to repentance (Lk. 22:62) and restoration (Jn. 21:15-19). That’s where the heart of God awaits to welcome you.

So: May you master the sin that is crouching at your door and seeking to have you; and may you walk in step with the Spirit, and shame the desires of the sinful nature (Gal. 5:16).

When greed and hatred come to claim their due, remorse has no power to stop them. Repentance is the only force that drives them back to hell, where they came from.

  Shalom