PRACTICAL CHRISTIANITY - MEDITATE DAY AND NIGHT
Mar. 16th, 2026.
Then Jesus replied, “Have I not chosen you, the Twelve? Yet one of you is a devil!” (He meant Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot, who, though one of the Twelve, was later to betray him.) (John 6:70-71 NIV)
Jesus prayed a whole night before He chose the twelve disciples (Luke 6:12-13). And then prayed for Peter when he, Peter was about to betray Him (Luke 22:32). But to Judas Iscariot He said: “As soon as Judas took the bread, Satan entered into him. So Jesus told him, “What you are about to do, do quickly.” (John 13:27 NIV). What is the difference and why?
Peter had no intention to betray Jesus. As at the time that Jesus prayed for him, Peter was certain he could not deny Jesus. Judas Iscariot was focused on the business transaction, how much he would make from selling Jesus to the Priest. As at that time, Judas was beyond redemption. We have all been in the same situation as Judas Iscariot when no one can talk us out of what we have decided to do and are unmindful of the consequences. The disappointment and shame are overwhelming and we are remorseful and full of regret. But our next action determines if we learned any lesson from it - to change, or go for the same fall again, or self infliction.
Remorse is the step in the repentance process of feeling the weight of your actions and feeling sorry, which could lead you to repent. Repentance is to change. It usually starts with remorse, but it is so much more than that. You can regret doing something wrong, but if you keep doing it, you haven't truly repented. “Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound?” (Rom.6:1-4).
The real difference is the TURNING BACK. Repentance involves turning back and towards God. David, when he was found out, turned back and said; "I have sinned.’ The lost son, when he came to his senses, turned back towards the Father. After Peter wept bitterly, he turned back to the fold - “I am going fishing” (John 21:3). And when Jesus appeared to them, Peter ran towards Jesus - he turned back (John 21:1-14). Judas Iscariot on the other hand, was remorseful but rather than turn back, he focused on self induced punishment. He became his own prosecutor, his own defense lawyer and his own judge. Note something - Jesus still called Judas Iscariot friend (Mat. 26:50)
Are you one of the faithful, a friend, or a traitor?
THE WORD: “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:34-35 NIV)
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