By Reverend J. Loren Russell
John 13:30 NKJV
“Having received the piece of bread, he then went out immediately. And it was night.”
Judas Iscariot was one of Jesus’ Disciples who was a part of His inner circle. He had every opportunity to be one of the pillars of the church, but he fell woefully short of his potential. Everyone, including Judas, has a choice of who they are going to serve. Because the love Jesus has for us is unconditional, not even Judas Iscariot was beyond God’s grace.
When Judas did his dastardly act of betrayal it was after he had broken bread with Jesus, the one sent by God the Father because of His love for the world. Prayerfully no one reading this article has fallen as far short of their potential as Judas.
Judas chose to betray Jesus. In so doing, he chose death over life, darkness rather than light. The text says that it was dark when Judas received the bread. It was not only dark on the outside, but it was also dark in the heart of Judas. He sank well below his potential.
Unfortunately, many of us, dare I say, all of us come short of evincing the full potential in our lives. Just as surely as the Bible says, “For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard,” it goes on to say, “Yet God, in his grace, freely makes us right in his sight. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins” (Romans 3:23-24 NLT). God’s great love for humanity assures us that no one has to fall below their potential. Sadly, people living below their God-ordained potential happens every day. Spiritual darkness is a thief that can rob anyone of their full potential. The darkness that overcame Judas can overcome anyone.
Something else that gets my attention in this story is that Jesus knew Judas’ intent and his heart. He told him, what you do, do quickly (John 13:27). Just like Judas, Jesus knows our heart! He knows our thoughts! He knows our potential! Judas wanted 30 pieces of silver.
What do you want? What’s in your heart? What thoughts are you thinking? Will you choose life over death, darkness rather than light? The choice is yours. Choose wisely so that you do not fall below your potential.
Be Blessed!
Rev. J. Loren Russell is an associate minister at Goodwill Baptist Church and is the spiritual leader of both LaGree Baptist Church and the Evangelical Church of God, all in the Bronx, President/CEO of The JLR Company for Church Financial & Strategic Consulting (718-328-8096), and hosts “Matters of Faith – The Radio Show” on Monday nights from 8:00 – 10:00 PM on Facebook Live. Be sure to Friend “Matters of Faith” on YouTube and email us at mattersoffaith.mof@gmail.com. Order your copy of Matters of Faith: The eBook at www.smash words.com/books/view/993177.
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