August 22, 2020 -- John 6:70-71 -- Every chance to be sheltered by mercy

 Jesus answered them, “Did I not choose you, the twelve? And yet one of you is a devil.”  He spoke of Judas the son of Simon Iscariot, for he, one of the twelve, was going to betray him.

John 6:70-71 English Standard Version

You know the old expression hindsight is 20/20. While we as humans cannot see the future clearly, and often we can’t even determine what is going on around us in the presence, when we look back we can connect events and circumstances and realize what was really going on.

Jesus, however, was informed by the Spirit of God of the condition of Judas Iscariot’s [J.I.] heart. Why didn’t Jesus just dump him, or expose him or hold him up as an example to the others? It was recently pointed out to me that the other disciples didn’t realize how corrupt J.I. was. When they were all gathered at the Last Supper Jesus declared one of the disciples would betray Him. They were all shocked and surprised. In fact, each one asked: “Is it I, Lord"?

Let me phrase what I’m going to say bluntly, why would Jesus waste His time on J.I.? I believe Jesus was highlighting the patient mercy of God. Our Father is not willing that any one should perish. For as long as J.I. walked with Jesus, he was exposed to the mercy, love and kindness of the Living God. J.I. had every opportunity to repent and believe on Jesus. Every act of mercy and miracle exposed the goodness of God and His faithfulness. J.I. had a front-row seat and despite it all hardened his heart against Jesus.

As long as we draw breath we can see the goodness of God, the extravagant blessings displayed in creation and we are living in the radiance of His great mercy. We have every opportunity to see our sin for what it is, to hate it, believe in Jesus as the One sent by the Father. If the Spirit of God is prompting you, encouraging you, find a Christian friend whose walk with God you admire and ask about Jesus. Now is the day of God’s kindness.

Who is like You, O God, great in mercy and lovingkindness?! Move us by Your Spirit to respond deeply and truly to all You are showing us in Jesus Christ. Give us the courage to speak with a Christian friend and so drink deeply of Your salvation. Amen.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SG_IXFEO8yE