Luke 22:3

New International Version (NIV)

Then Satan entered Judas, called Iscariot, one of the Twelve.

For meditation

“I don’t know what came over me.” You heard that before. Probably, your husband said it to you on his knees, with tears that could fill a bucket. The last time, he assured you that he will never lay his hands on you again. But there you are now, with black eyes and a broken nose. This time, he has gone too far. You gather the children and take refuge in a friend’s house, saying to yourself it’s over. Three days later, he’s calmed down and feels lonely, so he comes after you, on his knees – very characteristic of abusive men. Do you believe him?

The fact is that it didn’t just happen to him. Your husband did not become abusive in an instant. That’s who he is. He has been on the stage of a big theater since he met you. It may have started with something in his childhood that he couldn’t overcome. He became angry, hateful, bitter, and aggressive. He couldn’t avoid trouble in school; but he was a good student. He finished college, got a good job, and made money; but he is still a violent man inside – a volcano waiting to erupt. He is like Judas Iscariot! Don’t believe him! Emotional remorse doesn’t cut it. Godly sorrow that brings repentance is the only evidence of a transformed life in Christ you can trust (2 Cor. 7:10).

Chuck Swindoll, writing about Judas’ character, describes the process this way. “I don’t think anyone suddenly becomes villainous and corrupt. It’s a process. It takes time. One step leads to another, which in turn leads the person deeper, which in turn leads the person still deeper, which leads to the act itself that goes down in infamy.”

Judas had it all. He was chosen as one of the elite twelve Jesus called apostles. He ate and drank with the Savior. He witnessed His great miracles and healings, listened to His great teachings, and became the treasurer of the group. On the outside, the man was spiffy and well decorated, but on the inside, he was filthy. He was angry with the Roman occupation and hated their rule. When Jesus didn’t seem to fulfill his aspirations for a revolution, Judas became disillusioned and bitter. Worse of all, he was a thief, and every thief is a liar. These things made Judas, prime candidate for satanic manipulation. At the appointed time, Satan saw his perfect collaborator and motivated Judas to initiate negotiations to betray Jesus for thirty pieces of silver (Lk. 22:3).

Solomon talks about “the little foxes that ruin the vineyards” that are in bloom (Songs of Solomon 2:15). Catch them before they do their worst to your character. Arrest them before they mess your children up. Hedge your marriage with Christ before they destroy it for you.

This Passion Week is a good time to start. Follow Christ to the cross and learn from Him – His absolute trust in God, obedience, and determination to do the Father’s will. That’s how you catch the little foxes.

If Satan has no element in you, he has no control over you. Sin in our lives are entry points for Satan.

Shalom