Nougat 25

How established are our routines these days? Are they known to everyone, so clearly defined, that everyone knows how and where to locate us? If you responded yes to either question, you might have found that it has benefits along with its challenges. This is the base of our reflection on Today’s Holy Nougat

John 18:2 ASV

[2] Now Judas also, who betrayed him, knew the place: for Jesus oft-times resorted thither with his disciples.

The Familiar Place

Despite his extremely busy life, walking from one place to another, it is evident that Jesus (Y’shua) had a rhythm for Himself and His disciples. Our Nougat says Y’shua ‘oft times reported thither …’ indicating that this was a regular occurrence. If, like me, you had pondering moment regarding the Why of His action, You might also have recalled that Y’shua was commonly referred to as ‘rabbi’, (i.e., teacher). For, in the eyes of the disciples, that actually was Y’shua’s primary role, and it would require that they paused for a moment to unpack ideas.

It is not an entirely strange concept, as we may recall that once, when Y’shua and the disciples needed a break, the crowds anticipated their destination. And by the time Y’shua and His team crossed by boat, the crowd was waiting (see Mark 6:33). Whether this was the same place or not, we see that there was an established routine.

Routines are important, especially when they help us establish boundaries, enhance the completion of our tasks, or strengthen our prayer life. Evidently, there are times when having others familiar with our routines could be costly. For, when the wrong person knows our coming and goings, it could cost us our lives!

I want to explicitly state that we don’t know how far Judas intended to betrayal to go. He might have thought Y’shua would reveal His power in a supernatural display, or that Y’shua would have a Samson moment, as well as Judas might have wanted Y’shua dead. As legendary Jamaican artiste Bob Marley warns, ‘your worst enemy could be your best friend, and your best friend, your worst enemy’. Judas proved to be deadly.

While we are aware that it permitted the fulfillment of God’s plan for our lives, we may also agree that Judas didn’t have to be the one to betray Y’shua. But betray Him he did, as others will with us from time to time. When that happens, as it will, it may be helpful for us to determine whether the betrayal is within God’s permissive or perfect will for our lives. For, if it is, then we know that even when we can’t see it, all things work together For Good to them Who are the called of God, according to God’s plans for us (see Romans 8:28). And all still means all.

This does not negate the need for us to be careful – with our friendships and in familiar spaces. We are cautioned by Y’shua to be ‘wise as serpents and as harmless as doves’ in Matthew 10. As One Who was betrayed by His own, we ought to take His Words for it.

Note that Y’shua maintained His routine and constantly spent time in prayer with God. He established these for our benefit. May we likewise, find ourselves ensconced in familiar spaces with God, so that when the adversary seeks to find us, we will be in God’s presence.

Be on guard, with Christ as our rearguard covering our backs.

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May all we seek be found in Christ