In It For The Money

In the past few days I have received news of the deaths of three people that I have had contact with through the years. There is so much emotional pain associated with death. The emotions range from guilt to loneliness. There are those however who refuse to acknowledge the subject of death and dying, and those who disguise their discomfort by humorous remarks or dark comedy.

Yet for some of us we live in the twilight between this world and the next and we can almost see with reality that first face to face with the Lord Jesus Christ. There is only a thin veil it seems shading the spirit world from our material eyes. And, sometimes it seems the angels blow the veil just enough so that we can catch a quick glimpse of the other side.

As one reads Dante's Divine Comedy written in the early 1300's one can almost imagine that he was allowed to see beyond the veil. Dante writes extensively in the section of his book called "Inferno" regarding the levels of hell and those who populate each level. As he comes to the lowest level in hell, there Satan is frozen in ice up to his waste for all eternity. In Dante's novel he sees Satan while frozen for all eternity chewing on Judas and two others without end. In other words, Judas, the betrayer of Jesus is in the coldest part of hell and in the very mouth of Satan because of his cold and calculated betrayal of Jesus.

In Mark 14 we read Marks clear and concise narrative of Judas's betrayal of Jesus. It is such a stark contrast of good and evil and Mark sets the betrayal just after Mary of Bethany had anointed Jesus.

"Judas Iscariot, the man who was once of the Twelve, went away to the chief priests to betray Jesus to them. When they had listened to his offer they were delighted, and they promised to give him money. So he began to search for a convenient method of betraying him."

It not surprising that no one ever names their child Judas. In fact I understand there is a law in Germany that forbids parents from naming their child Judas. It is a name that is synonymous with treachery and back stabbing at its lowest form. A quick glance at Judas causes us to wonder how he could have done something so horrific.

Judas was part of the inner circle and was privy to many of the miracles of Jesus, His amazing teaching, and His compassion towards those devoted followers. Judas was a privileged person from our point of view. He walked and talked with Jesus on a daily basis and was placed in the prominent role as treasurer for the group of disciples.

Maybe Judas signed up with Jesus because he heard Him speak of a new kingdom with amazing rewards. Maybe Judas was looking for a position of authority and power, not to mention monetary gain. John tells us in his Gospel that Judas had some basic character issues that the other disciples were aware of. Last week we read the story of Mary in Bethany pouring expensive perfume on Jesus as she showed love and appreciation for Him. The disciples, especially Judas got upset by her action stating that the perfume could have been sold and the money given to the poor. John says in regards to Judas' comments, "He did not say this because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief; as keeper of the money he used to help himself to what was put into it."

Judas was in it for the money! He was a man who was so filled with self that out of him came greed, stealing, jealousy, covetousness and a host of other sins. When Judas realized Jesus was going to the cross and the new kingdom was not going to happen, at least as he saw it, then he sold out Jesus-for money of course.

Why are we following Jesus? Are we in it for the money? Have we continued on in the church because we are hoping to get something out of it? Are we, like Judas, motivated by self when we drive into the church parking lot on Sundays?

We must be reminded that the greatest gift that God can give to us is Himself. To understand where we came from, why we are here, and where we are going is by far the most wonderful blessing we can have. We are allowed to see the "big picture" and understand that monetary rewards and earthly comforts are way down the rung as far as what God wants to do in and through us.

Last night while flipping through the channels on my television I saw three different preachers all talking about the money that God wants to give me, if I just give their ministry some money first. Give me a break! It boggles my mind that people are still out there who believe this line. I just cannot imagine Jesus preaching the message I heard last night. In fact, the Sermon on the Mount teaches us just the opposite of what these self serving kingdom builders are preaching on air waves. One of the men I saw last night I actually met years ago. He went into a rage because the wrong kind of car was used to pick him up at the airport. It was a nice van but it was supposed to be a limousine as his staff had requested. The spirit of Judas is still alive!

I have said it many times and I will continue to say it, be very careful of your motives for following Jesus Christ. Judas looked good; fit right in with the other eleven. He could sound as pious as any priest, but he was filled with selfish greed and ambition.

May I encourage you to read Dante’s Divine Comedy even though his theology may not quite match up with yours? The one thing it will make you do is think, reason and examine your heart, and that’s a good thing.

God Be With You,

Dan

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