Wednesday, February 3, 2010

...With God - Week Five
2 Chronicles 7:14

As seen in the life of Abraham, the walk with God is a journey where we can authentically become a friend of God. And yet some of those who appear on the outside to be walking with God are simply acting out a role, lacking a true relationship with God. Judas, one of Christ's 12 disciples, spent significant time with the Christ; however he never had a true conversion to the Lordship of the Savior. Interestingly, in John 12, Judas belittles Mary for anointing the feet of Jesus. Judas asks, "Why was not this ointment sold for three hundred pence, and given to the poor?" Immediately scripture notes in the next verse the motives of Judas, "...not that he cared for the poor," John writes, "...but because he was a thief, and had the bag, and bear what was put therein." In complete contrast, when speaking of Abraham, James writes, "And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness...." Abraham serves as a complete contrast to Judas, for Judas was a lover of money, which scripture teaches in 1st Timothy 6:10, is the "root of all evil." However, Abraham demonstrates time and again belief, as James notes, in God. And not just a belief based on lip service, but in belief (faith) that was shown through action.