So, was he doomed from the start? Several avenues await our exploration.
One such street sign may indicate for us a community that resides within the idea that all of the disciples were doomed from the beginning. For all had the capacity to reject and turn away at a moments notice. Alas, Judas, through a series of circumstances and events became the one who would betray Jesus. All were chosen to be disciples; eleven were chosen for glory and one was passed over. How do we deal with that? How do we deal with the portion of scripture that might suggest this?
“I have guarded them, and not one of them has been lost except the son of destruction”
Another such street sign might point for us a way into a community which says that Jesus chose the twelve with a full knowledge that one of them would be the betrayer. However, as to whom in particular it would be Jesus did not know until the moment of truth. This might fit well with our consciences but what about the concept that being fully God would mean that Jesus would be omniscient? (all-knowing)
"But Jesus, perceiving their thoughts, said, “Why do you think evil in your hearts?"
"But Jesus, aware of their malice, said, “Why are you putting me to the test, you hypocrites?"
"But Jesus, aware of their inner thoughts, took a little child and put it by his side,"
"Then Jesus, knowing all that was to happen to him, came forward and asked them, “Whom are you looking for?”
Still a third avenue open for discussion would be one that reveals a community that believes in the idea that Jesus in his choosing of the twelve, chose Judas because Jesus already knew that Judas was the one appointed by the Father. Judas’ heart would be hardened by his experiences with Jesus and God would not allow Judas’ eyes to be opened. This option seems to grate against our sense of equality. Why would God harden Judas’ heart? This hardening might suggest an activity of God that seems contradictory to His very nature. Yet, other areas of scripture reveal for us a sense of God’s active participation in the hardening of hearts.
Pharaoh.....King Saul......
"For it was the Lord’s doing to harden their hearts so that they would come against Israel in battle, in order that they might be utterly destroyed, and might receive no mercy, but be exterminated, just as the Lord had commanded Moses."
So, the wrestling continues. The questions, open ended. Scripture, always right. Forever true. Our hearts melt within us as we seek to understand the deeper things of our faith. Do we stand in awe or to our knees do we fall? Do we sing hallelujah or are able to speak at all? Doomed from the start? Maybe, maybe not. But could the answer lie within all three avenues? Salvation, by the grace of God alone – through the faith of men alone.
HMA2
