Articles
Judas Changed His Mind
Judas Changed His Mind
By Kent Heaton
It was clear that what had been set in motion was not going to change. The verdict of condemnation was delivered and Judas realized that nothing was going to change the events of that day. His motives for betrayal amounted only to thirty pieces of silver; the price of a slave. Seeing that Jesus was condemned the apostle brings back the blood money to the chief priests and elders and acknowledges he sinned “by betraying innocent blood” (Matt. 27:4). His plea for intervention was unheard and throwing the money on the floor of the temple Iscariot went and hanged himself.
The text says that Judas was “remorseful” or “repented himself.” He realized too late that his betrayal brought his friend and rabbi to the blood thirsty hearts of the enemies of the Christ. In redemptive irony he brings the price of a slave to the temple of the Lord and throws it at the feet of the hypocritical leaders of God’s people who had long ago concerned itself more with paying “tithe of mint and anise and cumin, and … neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faith” (Matt. 23:23).
Judas changed his mind but it was too late. There was nothing he could do. The money meant nothing to him now and the consequence of a ‘moment’s reckless folly’ brought the Christ, the Son of God to the courts of men to die on a cross. He had changed his mind but God had not changed His mind. Judas was a good man. He served in the inner circle of the Lord preaching, healing, performing miracles and hearing the teachings of Jesus first hand. His deep remorse shows how much he loved the Lord and because of allowing Satan to storm the bastion of his heart and opening the door he went and hung himself in despair. His mind was changed but his actions could not be taken back.
It is impossible to know what would have happened if Judas had not hung himself. Clearly the end result was suicide and a name held through history as the one who betrayed the Lord. Peter betrayed the Lord but recovered to preach with the eleven on the Day of Pentecost the redemption of man through the blood of Christ. But in the story of Judas changing his mind could not turn back the hands of time.
In contrast, the parable of the two sons in Matthew 21:28-32 shows what man can do when given the opportunity. "A man had two sons, and he came to the first and said, 'Son, go, work today in my vineyard.' He answered and said, 'I will not,' but afterward he regretted it and went” (Matthew 21:28-29). The second son told his father he would go but then decided not to go. The application Jesus makes is to show how the first son did the right thing by changing his mind from rebellion to obedience. Sometimes a change of mind brings a blessing. In the case of Judas his mind changed but the circumstance did not change.
Every decision we make has consequence. If we do nothing there is consequence. The challenge is to make certain the choices we make will not create events that are unchangeable. The sacrifice of Jesus is given to all men to obey the will of the Father but the decision to reject that invitation can have eternal consequences that will never be changed. Be like the son of Matthew 21 and change your mind to do the will of what God expects of you. Make that choice now before it is too late.
“Was Satan Ever in Heaven?” (Again! Really?)
By Paul R. Blake
A fellow evangelist recently shared his concerns with me: “What are your thoughts about those who think and say that Isaiah 14:12 and Ezekiel 28 refer to the origin of Satan or are talking about Satan? Many say that Satan was an angel and sinned and was cast to earth? Is that true? That would suggest then that God created Satan, as an angel, and then he rebelled and God cast him out.”
Answer - There is a lot of speculation and confusion on this subject in the denominational world. However, I am as astonished as you are that some members of the Lord’s Church seem so smitten with this doctrine. Just let the text speak for itself. Isaiah 14 is talking about a man; it says so more than once in more than one way. He is a pagan Babylonian king who is feared and powerful who ends up in a grave. Not Satan; a man. “You will take up this proverb against the king of Babylon, and say… Those who see you will gaze at you, And consider you, saying: 'Is this the man who made the earth tremble, Who shook kingdoms… All the kings of the nations, All of them, sleep in glory, Everyone in his own house; But you are cast out of your grave… like a corpse trodden underfoot. You will not be joined with them in burial, because you have destroyed your land and slain your people” (Isa. 14:4ff, 16, 18-20ff).
Ezekiel 28 is talking about the king of Tyre. It is clear in the context. “The word of the LORD came to me again, saying, ‘Son of man, say to the prince of Tyre’… Moreover the word of the LORD came to me, saying, ‘Son of man, take up a lamentation for the king of Tyre, and say to him’…” (Ez. 28:1-2ff, 11-12ff). People love myths and mystery and want to make more out of prophetic and figurative language than is actually there.
Luke 10:18 records a prophecy of Jesus who spoke of Satan's fall from power. Jesus used the "prophetic past tense" just as did many of the prophets who spoke of future events. Heaven does not always mean God's abode in scripture and this is especially true in prophecy. When speaking of a ruler, a fall from heaven represents a fall from the heights of power and glory. “Falling as lightning” simply means that Satan’s fall from power over death and sin will be sudden and catastrophic, nothing more.
Satan was never an angel in heaven who sinned and was cast out. To advocate this creates a contradiction in the unchangeable and perfect natures of Almighty and All-powerful God and the eternally sinless realm of heaven. It is a position built on a combination of denominational mythology and a weak, limited grasp of the text. The Bible does not speak regarding the circumstances of the origin of our Adversary; therefore, admonish the brethren to use their time wisely in pursuits other than empty speculation. “O Timothy! Guard what was committed to your trust, avoiding the profane and idle babblings and contradictions of what is falsely called knowledge-- by professing it some have strayed concerning the faith” (1Tim. 6:20).
A Moments Wisdom
--Some people make enemies instead of friends because it is less trouble. (E. C. Mckenzie)
--Be slow in choosing a friend, slower in changing. (Benjamin Franklin)
--An old friend is better than two new ones. (Russian Proverb)
--Associate yourself with men of good quality if you esteem your own reputation; for ‘tis better to be alone than in bad company. (George Washington)
--When we lose a friend we die a little.
--If you really want to know who your friends are, just make a mistake.
--So long as we love we serve; no man is useless while his is a friend. (Robert Louis Stevenson)
Test Your Bible Knowledge of James: Saved or Lost?
1. “I am tempted by God.” __________
2. “I am content to be a ‘hearer only.’” __________
3. “I bride my tongue, avoid worldliness, and care for widows and orphans.” __________
4. “I show my faith by my works.” __________
5. “I told the rich man to sit in the best place.” __________
Upcoming Sermons
3/6/22 AM - “God Told Me that It’s Okay”; PM - Singing Service: Congregational Choice of Songs
3/13/22 AM - Do All Things Really Work Together For Good?; PM - God’s Instructions for Those Who Live with Unsaved Parents or Children
3/20/22 AM - The Beam in My Own Eye; PM - The Bible is not a Science Textbook
3/27/22 AM - “Onward Christian Soldier”; PM - Don’t Assume
