Matthew 27:1-5
“Very early in the morning the leading priests and the elders of the people met again to lay plans for putting Jesus to death. 2 Then they bound him, led him away, and took him to Pilate, the Roman governor. When Judas, who had betrayed him, realized that Jesus had been condemned to die, he was filled with remorse. So he took the thirty pieces of silver back to the leading priests and the elders. 4 “I have sinned,” he declared, “for I have betrayed an innocent man.” What do we care?” they retorted. “That’s your problem.”5 Then Judas threw the silver coins down in the Temple and went out and hanged himself.”
According to World Health Organization (WHO), “Every year 703,000 people take their own life and there are many more people who attempt suicide. Every suicide is a tragedy that affects families, communities and entire countries and has long-lasting effects on the people left behind. Suicide occurs throughout the lifespan and was the fourth leading cause of death among 15–29-year-olds. Many suicides happen impulsively in moments of crisis with a breakdown in the ability to deal with life stresses, such as financial problems, relationship break-up or chronic pain and illness. In addition, experiencing conflict, disaster, violence, abuse, or loss and a sense of isolation are strongly associated with suicidal behavior” (https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/suicide).
From the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth and it was good. “Then the Lord God formed man from the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breathe of life; and the man became a living being” (Genesis 2:7). As we can see, we were all created by God for His Glory, to fulfill our God-given purpose here on earth. However, satan, who God created also, “the serpent” came in from that time to destroy God’s plan for man. God did not desire for sin to enter the world through the fall of Adam and Eve, yet He allowed it. Although the enemy has his plan, God is all knowing (omniscient) knowing the past and future. Knowing that God is all knowing, should allow us to trust Him in all our circumstances. "For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him (Colossians 1:16).
In Matt 27, we see, the leading priests and elders plotting against Jesus- laying out their plans not knowing that Jesus is God- who knows all things. Judas who was one of His disciples, made a choice to betray him for money. Little did he know, that is written, "For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the world, and lose his own soul? (Mark 8:36). When Judas realized, Jesus was going to die, deep regret, shame and guilt overtook him. Judas never sought to go back to His creator, Jesus, to repent, but instead impulsively went back to the same men with his guilt and took his own life. If Judas, had stopped to rethink of His journey with walking with Jesus, and lay his burdens (problems) at His feet, his story could have been different. The men response to Judas, was that they didn’t care and that was his problem. However, Jesus’ response would have allowed Judas to think twice to repent and turn from sin.
Our lives are precious to God, so that we can worship and honor Him. Jesus came full of Grace and mercies that although we were born in sin and shape in iniquity, He doesn’t despise a contrite heart and broken spirit.
Can you imagine, the millions of souls, in this world who have taken their life because they didn’t turn to Jesus to solve their problems. For there is no repentance (forgiveness of our sins) in the grave. We have been given life, through Christ Jesus, the perfect sacrifice for us all and the enemy desire to distort that plan. The enemy, is a thief that comes only to steal, kill and to destroy Gods children. However, Jesus, our shepherd came that we may have life and have it in full abundance. (See John 10:10). The “thief’ means- a person who steals another person’s property, and we are God’s property that He bought with a high price. The Bible declares in 1 Corinthians 6:20, "For God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body”. The Lord wants us to understand how precious we are to Him. Knowing our worth through Christ Jesus is essential. Unfortunately, we see Judas who immediately took his life without seeing the true purpose why Jesus came on earth. Whether a believer or non-believer, God wishes for non to perish but to come to true repentance and everlasting life.
As you go throughout this week, you might be going through a difficult crisis, problem or situation. If your feeling anxiety, depression or unpleasant thoughts go to Jesus and lay it at His feet in prayer. If you feel overwhelmed, go to a fellow believer to help encourage you (1 Thessalonian 5:11) and if you feel rejected, take comfort in meditating on the Word of God- His promises. (See Numbers 23:19).
The Bible declares, we can do all things through Jesus Christ who gives us strength. Paul the Apostle, one who was sent by God- faced many trials. He was given a thorn in his flesh, a messenger from satan to torment and keep him from becoming proud- he begged the Lord three times to take it away. Three times he begged the Lord to remove that issue in his flesh, the Lord said each time “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness”. Paul response was, “So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me” (2 Corinthians 12:7-9). Paul further goes on to say, “That’s why I take pleasure in my weakness, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Corinthians 12:10). No one is exempt from hardship and troubles in this world, however, let us lean unto the Lord to help us in these difficult times.
I want to encourage you today, that no matter what we are facing, God is able. He wants you to know that His burden is light, if you come unto him. For the spirit of suicide and mental illness is raging like a bull, to kill Gods children. However, the bible tells us, “For we are not fighting against flesh and blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places” (Ephesians 6:12). So we must understand, “..the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds”(2 Corinthians 10:4). We are living in a dark and dying world that satan wants to attack our mind with the thought that there is no hope. But I challenge you today, give it all to Jesus and watch God work it out.
Please take the time to read the Scriptures throughout.
Prayer:
Dear Jesus, we understand that we are living in times, that we desperately need a savior. Sin wants to take control like a raging sea to swallow up the souls of men. However, we come with great confidence believing that nothing is impossible with you who came to die for our sins to be forgiven. We repent of our sins and ask that you wash and cleanse us. For we are overcomers by your blood of the lamb and words of our testimonies (Revelation 12:11). Thank you for given us authority over all the power of the enemy and we can walk among snakes and scorpions and crush them. Nothing will injure us (Luke 10:19). We take authority over every spirit of suicide, depression, anxiety, fear, and doubt that comes to kill us. We command it to die in the name of Jesus. For you came to give us everlasting life, here on earth and in heaven. We choose life today and plead the blood of Jesus over the minds and hearts of your children. We thank you Lord, that in spite of what the enemy means for harm you have turned it around for good. We love you, because you first loved us (1 John 4:19). We surrender all to you today and ask for your perfect will be done in Jesus’ name
Amen.
2 Peter 3:9
"The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent" (NLT).
Amen!