Topic:“RIOTERS” – Daily Devotional By Dag Heward-Mills Ministry 15 March 2021
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READ: Acts 20:28-30
“Woe unto the world because of offences! for it must needs be that offences come; but woe to that man by whom the offence cometh!” – Matthew 18:7
Many people see Judas Iscariot as a detestable person. I believe Judas was a trustworthy person when he started out. In fact, the Bible tells us that there is a point at which Satan entered into Judas. That means there was a point in time when there was no devil in Judas and that is why Jesus entrusted him with the money. Most people appoint the most trusted person to be their treasurer.
A senior church leader once said something that struck me! He said, “I don’t care what leadership style you have. You are not greater than Jesus. If Jesus had a Judas, you will too! No matter what you do, you will have to experience betrayal because your master experienced it.”
This made me think deeply. Every church will experience the scourge of treacherous leaders. There will be a Judas from among your trusted leadership. The Bible describes him as a trusted friend who eats, drinks and fellowships with you. The Bible says that he is not an ordinary friend, but a familiar friend. That means someone who is very close (Psalm 41:9).
The truth I have just shared with you has two implications. The implication for all heads is simple. Anticipate disloyalty and create a system that will not collapse in the event of betrayal. Notice how Jesus’ ministry continued effectively after Judas had fallen away. The implication for assistants, associates and followers is frightening but also very real; one of us will be a Judas. Just make sure it’s not you!