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I stepped off the bus, my feet hit the sidewalk, and I began my trek into school. It was the same routine I’d followed the day before and the many days before that. Nothing out of the ordinary. I found my group of friends in the bleachers, smiled and said hey.
Silence.
Eye rolls.
Friends turning their backs to me.
Even at 40 years old, I can almost feel those same emotions wanting to rear their ugly heads. It was an overwhelming sense of hurt, loneliness, and bewilderment.
What had I done?
Whispers began. Secrets passed from one to another. And then, as if on cue, they all gathered their books and bags and left without a single word.
Don’t start feeling sorry for me though. I’ll admit, I was just as guilt as they were. I knew what was happening. I had been a part of that same little game a week ago when we decided to ignore someone else in the group. It was awful, ridiculous, and shameful.
But that day, I knew the full meaning of betrayal. It felt like the entire world was against me.
Luke 22:47-48
“And while he yet spake, behold a multitude, and he that was called Judas, one of the twelve, went before them, and drew near unto Jesus to kiss him. But Jesus said unto him, Judas, betrayest thou the Son of man with a kiss?”
A multitude.
One being led by one of His closest friends.
We’ve been talking about the human side of Jesus. Can you imagine what He felt in this moment? I mean, He knew He was preparing to die, but did it make the betrayal of His friend any easier?
I can feel the gut wrenching heartbreak as Judas leaned in with a kiss, a traditional greeting among men. Among friends. Among family.
The multitude. Roman guards, the religious leaders, all coming to finally be rid of Jesus.
But, it was all according to God’s plan.
See, the world is against Jesus. The prince of this world, Satan, rules here. The world thinks evil is good and good is evil all because of his twisted perversion and desire to see people destroyed.
Some days, you might feel like the world is against you. Maybe it comes in the form of a big mistake at work, a situation in your family, or the betrayal of friends. But let me remind you of this – it’s not the end.
God has a purpose and a plan. He will use whatever you are going through to grow you, teach you, train you, and better you. Turn to Him in your despair, anger, hurt, and frustration. Allow Him to work all things out for you.
John 16:33
“These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.”
Will you trust Him today to do that?
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