I discovered once again from two verses in the
book of John Chapter 13 how subtle the devil could really be. He did not enter
into Judas Iscariot all at one time; he did it subtly, with the character of a
coward.
Verse 2- “And supper
being ended, the devil having now put
into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, to betray him;”
Note
that the devil just put it in Judas’ heart. He started it with wishful
thinking; thoughts of fantasy. I imagine Judas thinking cunningly how he would
sell Jesus out, then at a time Jesus would perform his miracle and escape as
usual, and then he would have made profit. These thoughts were going on in the
heart of Judas. He did not cast them down; he did not reject them immediately.
Rather he enjoyed and embraced them.
Verse 27- “And after
the sop Satan entered into him. Then said Jesus unto him, that thou doest, do
quickly”
Having
seen Judas’ interest in the plot, the devil entered him fully to carry out the
plan.
This
is an indication of how the devil operates. He starts with tempting thoughts;
he suggests various options to us in our minds. It is left for us to choose;
either to dwell on such thoughts or to cast them down (2Cor. 10:5). We need to
guard our hearts always with all diligence, for out of it comes the issues of
life.
So
when next you’re thinking of that evil, that thing which you know does not
please God (Phil.4:8); whether it
feels good or not, know he’s come around and you’ve got to CAST HIM OUT!
The
gap between when he brings suggestions and when he finally enters to strike
could even be years… So don’t take chances.
Shalom!
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