I read Luke 22 this morning, the last supper account of the Lord Jesus with His disciples. The Lord speaks to the one who would be guilty of His betrayal;
"Behold, the hand of him that betrayeth Me is with Me on the table." (v 21)
Judas' hand is on the table.
He wasn't just standing by the table a little ways off to the side, or sitting at the table in a slumped, half-hearted sort of way. No. Judas was right there with them.
Eyes focused on the face of Christ.
Ears intently listening to the words of the One who was about to suffer for the sins of the world.
Hands on the table, displaying his fellowship with the group.
But within a few hours, his apparent affections cast aside, Judas publicly betrays the Lord Jesus. For money. He placed more value on silver than on his own soul. Made such a pitiful, selfish choice that even he himself couldn't live with. And he died... an unbeliever.
But in contrast to that, a second address is made, this time to Peter.
"Simon, Simon... I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not, and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren." (v 32)
The Lord knew Peter was a true disciple. A believer. But, He also knew he was (and would be) humanly prone to failure. But, following confession of his lack of faith, Peter is instructed to encourage others.
Just like Peter, we can all expect to be assaulted by Satan in our christian lives. If Satan cannot destroy, he will still attempt to distress and disgrace. But... we are preserved by the prayer of Christ, the power of God and the inner presence of the Holy Spirit.
Lord, despite my failure, use me, to strengthen others for YOUR glory.
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