Sudden Betrayal

Sudden Betrayal
Words of Faith 4-3-24
Dr. Jeffrey D. Hoy © 2024
Jeff.Hoy@faithfellowshipweb.com
Faith Fellowship Church - Melbourne, FL
www.faithfellowshipweb.com
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Mark 14
[39] Once more, he went away and prayed the same thing. [40] When he came back, he again found them sleeping, because their eyes were heavy. They did not know what to say to him.
[41] Returning the third time, he said to them, "Are you still sleeping and resting? Enough! The hour has come. Look, the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. [42] Rise! Let us go! Here comes my betrayer!"

The actual moment of betrayal came suddenly. Of course, the path to this moment had been in the works for some time. But in that moment, the disciples had allowed their senses to be dulled. Their eyes were heavy. No matter how much Jesus asked the disciples to be alert and to watch, the moment of betrayal came suddenly upon them. But Jesus did not run. He did not hide. Instead, Jesus rose to greet his betrayer.

It is a strange thing, rising to greet betrayal. Perhaps Jesus did so because this was a destiny He had known was coming for a long time. It may have been His deep trust in the Father that gave Him the courage to look betrayal in the eye.
But this also was an answer to prayer. That's right. Remember Jesus' prayer, "Abba, Father, everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will"? This was an answer to that prayer. This was the Father's will. When we place ourselves entirely in the hands of Jesus, then we can rise to greet whatever comes. We can greet betrayal with the same peace that we greet a blessing. We can rise to greet a curse from an enemy with just the same calm as a compliment from a friend.
This betrayal was particularly stinging because it came from a trusted friend. Jesus had prayed with Judas, ministered with Judas, shared meals, slept in the out of doors, and stayed as a house guest with him. He was one of the trusted close-circle. It must have hurt to see Judas coming in the darkness with torches flickering. But Jesus rose to the occasion. Rise! Let us go. Here comes my betrayer! It was an answer to prayer.
Are you prepared? Are you prepared for your day? Your week? It may include a great blessing, but it could have a few surprises, especially if you have prayed in faith for God's will and not yours. Your path may even include betrayal or great disappointment. If so, can you rise up to greet the pain and joy? Can you face the trial as well as the struggle? By His grace, you can. Rise up! Rise up to greet the answer to your prayer as you entrust your week to Him.

Lord, I love You, and know that You love me more. I trust You with my day, my week, my life. I want nothing more nor less than what You have planned. I rise to greet the day. In Jesus' name, Amen.

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© Jeffrey D. Hoy 2024
Dr. Jeffrey D. Hoy - Faith Fellowship Church (EFCA)
2820 Business Center Blvd.
Melbourne, Florida 32940 (321)-259-7200
Jeff.Hoy@faithfellowshipweb.com
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