Have you ever been wronged by someone close to you? Worse yet, have you failed to do right by someone close? What was the experience like? Is there any justification for such behaviour by you or the one who wronged you? Consider Today’s Holy Nougat, as we reflect on the aforementioned questions.
Mark 13:12-13 NIV
[12] “Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child. Children will rebel against their parents and have them put to death.
[13] Everyone will hate you because of me, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved.
Betrayal!
Oh yes dear siblings, betrayal is as certain in our lives as night follows day. Most, if not all of us encounter betrayal at some point in our lives. It may not be as stark, nor lead to suicide, as with Judas; but that doesn’t lessen the pain. I maintain that betrayal is only possible by folks whom we consider/ed allies or party of our inner circle, since it often involves sharing of secrets or of sensitive information. We realize it can happen in both the public and the private sector.
Self-Check
What is the worst act of betrayal you’ve faced, or that could be done to you? How would you react?
Application
Y’shua was clear. Betrayal by/of those close to us will become more common, possibly because our value systems are so starkly different. (I believe we see some of that already). In Y’shua’s day, it was probably a combination of opposing values, as well as of persons being misled into seeing differences where they didn’t exist. Whatever the case, if also argue that at the root of betrayal is the fingerprint of the devil, the enemy of our souls.
It means then that we must be on guard against being deceived into betraying others, as well as against hardened hearts subsequent to betrayal. That is only feasible by God’s grace, and massive outpouring of Y’shua’s love, which covers a multitude of sins (see 1 Peter 4:8).
Yes my peeps, one antidote to the venom of betrayal is forgiveness. (I know, I know. No one really wants to hear about that. But it’s still true). It helps if there’s repentance, but that’s not guaranteed.
So even as we watch and pray, and as we prepare for Christ’s return, let’s be mindful so we’re not poisoned by betrayal. Rather, as Y’shua has proposed, let’s remain focused of Christ Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith.
Point to Ponder
How open are we to forgive betrayal?
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May all we seek be found in Christ
