There are times, good and bad, in which we might ask ourselves where God is. There are other people in the Bible who have asked this question. Perhaps you have asked the same question wondering if God is present, if God is available to you. Judas led the enemies of Jesus to the garden where our Lord had been praying not realizing he was seeking where the Son of God was. Left us focus on Judas when he sought ways to manipulate God according to his human wishes without any desire to know where God is as part of the ministry of Jesus.
The name of Judas represents the ultimate betrayal because he is the one who led the arresting soldiers to Jesus Christ while he was praying in the garden. Why did Judas do it? He was a disciple of Jesus. In fact, he held a respectable position among the other disciples as the treasurer for the group. Within three years he saw the miracles, changed lives, the teachings of love and devotion to God done by Jesus. Certainly, he was convinced that there was not one ill thought or deed in the mind and actions of Jesus. Why do harm to such a person? Why betray him? The Bible says the devil entered into his heart. But what does that mean? Did he suddenly wake up one morning and decide to become some type of monster who would betray the Savior?
In scanning those three years when Jesus and his disciples traveled preaching and healing, there is a picture that develops for each in ministry. So, there may be answers about Judas right before us that we never noticed. Even though Judas was the businessman for the group, we never see him actively involved in any form of concern for others. He never stepped forth to lead someone else to Christ as did Andrew. He never initiated any action that we can call spiritual in nature. He never himself absorbed any of the teachings of Jesus to apply what he heard such as, “Blessed are the meek for they shall inherit the earth.” He seems to be more of an attachment to the ministry of others than have a ministry of his own. He did, however, criticize the kindness of another as a waste of money. His preoccupation seemed always about the affairs of this world and not something spiritual. He had a disposition that, in his inner thoughts, he was right no matter what.
Now take into consideration the condition of world events at the time. Romans occupied Israel with its armies which was an insult to the Jews. Yet even though someone would lead a revolt, it was always short-lived. No doubt, Judas was one of those “patriots” who was convinced that the only hope was for someone popular like Jesus to lead a full-scale revolution and declare himself king. At one point an overly enthusiastic crowd tried to crown Jesus King but he would have nothing to do with it. So, put Judas’ own disposition into the history of the day and we have a man who took matters into his own hands. Here was a man who had no room for God’s way and timing. He may have asked himself, “where is God?” Even if he would’ve asked that question, there would’ve been no appreciation for the answer. Judas was a man who believed he could make things happen for what he decided should be. He tried to force Jesus into a situation that he would declare himself king of Israel and overthrow Rome. It didn’t hurt matters either for Judas if he picked up a few dollars on the way by selling Jesus out for 30 pieces of silver. When Judas realized his plan fell apart and they really were going to crucified Jesus, Judas committed suicide. There is no evidence he repented.
We often wonder where God is when life is not what we think it should be. Sometimes we take matters into her own hands and make things happen in our way. Sometimes when bad things happen, we ask how God could be in this. Our mistake is that we are measuring God’s plans and actions by our standards. We have our timetable and fail to realize God has his own timetable. We assume bad things are isolated events when they could be one of a series of events that fall into place for our own ultimate blessing and good and for the fulfillment of prophecy. The Bible never said believers would not face difficulties, but it does say if we cooperate with God, he will use difficulties in a positive way and in the meantime be with us during those times. We fail to remember that everything God does comes out of his love and wisdom. We may wonder where God is in our lives at a given moment, but he is always in charge.
The case of Judas’ betrayal and Christ’s crucifixion is a prime example. Judas never got it when he was with Jesus. Judas played a part in the crucifixion because of his disbelief. But what was the end result? Jesus became the Savior by dying on the cross. Salvation is available to everyone. And death is defeated once and for all. When Jesus was resurrected, he completed God’s plan. God’s concern was for something more important than the temporary possession of Israel by Rome. It was for the defeat of death and eternal salvation of mankind. As we face uncertain times and wonder where God is, that may be the time God is most active and directing us toward his glorious plan.
Christian Writer 