Yesterday, we noted that we could reflect on the Nougat in two ways – its implications for our lives and in relation to its prophetic element regarding Y’shua’s life. Having reflected on our lives yesterday, consider Today’s Holy Nougat once again.
Psalms 34:20-21 CEB
[20] He protects all their bones; not even one will be broken.
[21] But just one problem will kill the wicked, and those who hate the righteous will be held responsible.
Did he hate the Righteous One?
What a question!
I tell you, though, siblings, the jury is still hung on that verdict. Some believe that Judas never liked Y’shua and had always been fixated on all things negative (I guess they would be in John’s camp). Others try to give him the benefit of the doubt, preferring to assume that Judas misunderstood the mission – as many of us do. Hence , he was remorseful after the fact.
Self-Check
What do we believe about Judas? Do we believe he hated the Righteous One?
Application
Whatever we believe, we do know that Y’shua said it would have been better if the one who betrayed Him had never been born (see Matthew 26:24)
Depending on which camp you sit in, Judas would be seen as one who hates the Righteous One. Whether we did or not, we know that after the fact, he was filled with remorse as the impact of what he did hit him. He attempted to pass the buck, but those religious leaders and teachers of the Law left the blame squarely at His feet (see Matthew 27:3-10). In Acts, it is suggested that the weight of the responsibility was such that he fell headlong in the field that he bought, resulting in his death (see Acts 1:18-19).
What we learn from both accounts is that the wage of sin is death – and that can be literal. Siblings, Judas’ actions toward the Righteous One did cost him his life. That then was the fulfilment of David’s prophecy, whether David realised he was prophesying or not.
While I don’t believe in accidental prophecy, this is a reminder to us to watch our words. The power of life and death are surely in the tongue. Let’s be intentional in using our gift.
More critically, regardless of where we sit on Judas’ (premeditated) act, one thing is clear. God doesn’t take kindly to mistreatment of God’s chosen. The punishment might not occur in our physical lifetime (Judas died after Y’shua died), but that doesn’t mean God is oblivious. Touch not the Lord’s anointed means exactly that.
In closing, let’s ensure that as we hold to the hope offered by our Nougat that we also ensure that we are not guilty of afflicting the Righteous.
Point to Ponder
Let’s check ourselves and our attitudes to those who are called and anointed by God.
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May all we seek be found in Christ
