01/06/2014 - THE ATTITUDE OF THE DEVIL’S SERVANT

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Why was this fragrant oil not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor? John 12.5

Judas Iscariot had the privilege of walking side by side with Jesus and even of being His disciple, but he preferred to be a servant of Satan. He walked near the Lord, but not with the Lord. That is why he became a traitor. There are many with the appearance of being men of God, speaking like the servants of the Most High. However, their works prove that they are in fact servants of the evil one, and they might surprise us one day with strange attitudes.

The servants of God are known for the fear they have for Him (Proverbs 9.10a). In fact, the way a person speaks shows if an individual serves the Lord or not. Even in the way a person walks and looks, there is difference between the saint and the sinner, the one with the Holy Spirit and the one without the divine grace. What makes the difference between the saved and the lost is the testimony from the Almighty, for as we see it or listen to it, we can feel if the person is or not a son or daughter of our Father.

Being so, it is almost unbelievable that Jesus chose a thief to be His treasurer, but it was what happened (Jo 12.6). Some might say that he began to steal only after he was entrusted the treasury of the ministry. However, if it was so or not, it does not matter. Jesus knew all of them and knew what was in Judas’ heart. But why did Judas not confess his weaknesses and ask for help? Now, it is obvious that he did not behave like a gentleman in the presence of the Master.

There is no use to reflect about things that we will never know, but there will be a day when all our questions will be answered. Was Judas the last thief that there was in the Church? Obviously not. The enemy has found, in all different ages, weak people that cannot bear even the smallest temptations. Sooner or later, they all become Judas’ “colleagues”, or the friends of King Herod, who slept with his brother’s wife (Mk 6.16-18).

We need His anointing to teach the Word of God, for if we have it, many will be converted. All Christians must watch not to fall in adultery, robbery, or any other sin. Be careful so that your example does not lead anyone to obey the devil, for if it happens, you will be responsible for it. Jesus warned that there are even people that might cause their partner to commit adultery (Mt 5.32). The respect for the Word of the Lord is what will keep you safe.

Besides, those who harass a person who obeyed the touch of the Most High, like Judas did with Mary, do not have the divine presence. The servant of God may be used to warn those who are in sin, but he will never warn those who obey the Holy Spirit. After all, those who are guided by the Father speak His words, and our attitudes prove who our master is.

Judas was in a downward trend. A little after this, he accepted money from the Pharisees to surrender Jesus. This was a proof of his taste for the things that the devil presented to him. Those who obey the evil one watch immoral movies, covet people other than their spouse, live with sexual fantasies, are attracted by luxury, etc. Therefore, flee from temptations and serve the Lord.

In Christ, with love,

R. R. Soares