February 17, 2025

BEWARE OF BETRAYAL (PART 5)

Apst. Emmanuel Osezele

KEY TEXT: MARK 14:10 KJV: “And Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve, went unto the chief priests, to betray him unto them.”

The Bible also warns against betrayal toward God by breaking His commandments or turning away from Him. Israel’s repeated unfaithfulness served as a cautionary tale. "For their heart was not right with him, neither were they stedfast in his covenant" (PSALM 78:37).

Forgiveness is the antidote to betrayal. Though betrayal wounds deeply, the example of Jesus on the cross teaches us to forgive even our betrayers. "Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do….." (LUKE 23:34).

Ultimately, God will judge all acts of betrayal, rewarding the faithful and punishing the deceitful. His justice is perfect, ensuring that no betrayal will go unaccounted for. "But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone" (REVELATION 21:8).

PRAYER: O God my Father, please have mercy on me, in any way I have betrayed anyone knowingly and unknowingly. I repent of all my wrongdoings, as you grant me the grace to go and sin no more, in Jesus Christ’s mighty name. Amen.

REFLECTION: MARK 14:11 KJV: “And when they heard [it], they were glad, and promised to give him money. And he sought how he might conveniently betray him.”