Bad Company

​Judas Iscariot had a great life going.  Selected by Jesus, the world’s only perfect leader, he joined a team of eleven others to follow God’s Son. We don’t know much about Judas, but John 12:4-6 is revealing.
Then one of His disciples, Judas Iscariot (who was about to betray Him), said, “Why wasn’t this fragrant oil sold for 300 denarii and given to the poor?” He didn’t say this because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief. He was in charge of the money-bag and would steal part of what was put in it.
Was Judas a rebellious, immoral man?  Or was he a confused follower who occasionally stole money for his pursuits? Why would he betray Jesus for 30 pieces of silver when he could have prolonged their time together and continued his successful pilfering?

Meditation
1 Corinthians 5:11,33--But now I have written to you not to keep company with anyone named a brother, who is sexually immoral, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or an extortioner—not even to eat with such a person . . . Do not be deceived: “Evil company corrupts good habits.” (NKJV)
 
When it comes to joining people, God is not instructing followers of Jesus to stay away from sinners.  If this were the case, there would be no one to associate with anyone (Romans 3:23). Association is not tied to an act or a flawed disposition; it is based upon a rebellious attitude and a spirit unwilling to live righteously.
           
The early church could have banned Peter from fellowship. What sin could exceed denying the Savior? But Peter was not willfully rebelling against Jesus. He acted out of fear and confusion, was forgiven by the Lord, and was given a leadership position. Jesus specifically selected Judas to fulfill God’s purpose for His destiny. He would not have chosen a compulsive, uncaring thief incapable of fulfilling His great commission to be an apostle.  He was an outlier, unsuccessfully utilized by Satan.

To meet Jesus’ intent for spiritual growth, we must guard who we associate with. Spend time with those struggling with sin who desire to repent and do what is right to help them overcome their wrongdoing or folly. Run and shun those with zero resolve to obey God, displaying a rebellious spirit. If we think we can help them and choose to associate with them, we are in danger of being corrupted. I am sure you can think of plenty of people who have abandoned their scruples to associate with those unwilling to please God.  How did it work out for them?
           
Conversely, remember those times when you and I have fallen and be grateful for those who helped us stand up and encouraged us to keep running the race. Something to think about . . . in reveration! 
           
Inspiration
“You will certainly carry out God’s purpose, however you act, but it makes a difference to you whether you serve like Judas or like John.”—C.S. Lewis
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©2024 Daniel York  ARR.  Reveration is the weekly devotional ministry of First Cause.  To receive these devotionals, go to www.firstcause.org and click the “Click here to receive weekly devotionals” box.  Unlimited permission to copy this devotional without altering text or profiteering is allowed, subject to the inclusion of this copyright notice.     
 
Ecclesiastes 12:10-The Teacher sought to find delightful sayings and to accurately write words of truth.  (Holman CSB)