What will a man give in exchange for his soul?

When we read this question, our first reaction is to say, “nothing”! But truly how many times have you made a deal with God? God if you do this, I’ll do that. Or, “God, I’ll wait on you…for a few days at least, and if You can do this thing in these few days I’ll do that for you.” And when the things we are asking God to do is not done in the timeframe that we laid down for Him we begin to move and shake things up.

You know, this attitude is probably not far off from Judas. Now you saying, now wait a second pastor, you’re calling us Judases! No, not quite. I just want to reveal how it only takes 1 thing at 1 time to take away our 1 focus on God. For Judas, I actually believe He thought he was doing Jesus a favor. Judas was a Jew that wanted to see the Davidic Kingdom come to earth. He just couldn’t understand why Jesus wasn’t beginning the revolution that he thought needed to take place. Why didn’t Jesus take the throne? Why wasn’t the Roman oppression thrown off? Where was the prosperity? Where were the results? So Judas took things into his own hands and thought He’d force Jesus’ hand.

It is probable that Judas never expected Jesus to be killed. Judas handed Jesus over to the Jews, and in the Roman empire the Jews did not have the authority to execute anyone. So when Pilate got involved that’s when Judas began to really sweat his decision to try to “help God” along in the plan. And before Judas knew it, things had spiraled out of control and the man that he followed and believed would bring the earthly kingdom was being berated, beaten, scorned, shamed, mocked, and crucified. And that’s how it is when you make a deal with God, when you put your plans in front of HIS plans. But the amazing part is, that through Judas’ selfish and sinful plan God’s plan reigned through. Salvation came to the whole world.

But, what about Judas then? Sure, after it was over and Jesus was condemned Judas felt remorse. So much so that he went back and threw the money down. This outward appearance is not repentance, it is remorse. So often when we realize we have wronged God, or exchange HIS glory for our own we have a feeling of remorse. But remorse does not bring change. Remorse is not supernatural, it’s natural. So do not mistake remorse for repent. If there is no change in your life, then you’ve only experienced remorse. But when we repent, we change the way we think about what we have done and the Holy Spirit begins a change in our hearts. So do not be Judas and be so overcome with guilt that you no longer want to live. Live in the plan of God to bring praise to his glorious grace. Be like Peter, stick around, let people know the failure and the spiritual victory!