Nougat 3

This weekend past, I heard an interesting conversation between two believers. They sought a middle ground on the issue of language: one used family to speak of the relationship between believers, the other preferred friends’, which felt safer. Which do you prefer? As we reflect on today’s Holy Nougat we place relationships before God’s throne.

“They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God.” ‭‭2 Timothy‬ ‭3‬:‭4‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Betrayers

Have you ever been betrayed by friends or family? I think it cuts deeper than when strangers disappoint. Just by the depths of the relationship, and the likely loss that betrayal brings … it’s hard. The memory of what used to entail, can be painful.

But what if, like Judas, we are the ones betraying others? What if, for selfish (only for our benefit) reasons we ‘throw someone under the bus’ as the saying goes – is that different from betrayal? And when we intentionally prohibit someone else’s gain to further our own lives, that can also be betrayal. I have tried to think, but can’t find any justification for betrayal beyond misguidedness; and even then … for though Judas might have thought Jesus would save himself; the betrayal shouldn’t have come from him. He could have made a different choice. But it was as though he was a man possessed. So much so that it was only when Jesus said that He knew it was a moment of betrayal that Judas seemed to have a moment of conviction.

In the End Time, it seems betrayal will be the order of the day. And though friends are the named perpetrators, I am sure that exists in families also. Dysfunctional relationships are everywhere. Alongside the betrayal will be greater movement towards the pursuit of personal pleasure, which I believe precludes God’s will. With Jesus referring to us as both siblings and friends, any act of selfishness toward others is a betrayal of Jesus, whose name describes our faith.

As we remain alert for increased acts of betrayal in the End Time, let us ensure that we are walking in alignment with God’s Spirit.

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May all we seek be found in Christ