Meditation Archives - Page 14 of 19

Judas

Wednesday of Holy Week is known as “Spy Wednesday” because this is the day we contemplate Judas and how he conspired to betray Jesus. I decided to write an acrostic poem using the name of Judas as a form of contemplation. As I worked through the letters in the name, I came to the realization that Judas is contradiction in true form. My original thought of Judas was the familiar negative view. He is the person responsible for Jesus’ capture and ultimately His death. I then switched gears and decided to view him with the eyes of mercy because the God I know is a merciful God. When I focused on mercy, I began to see Judas as the apostle who was aware of his role in salvation history, an apostle who was willing to take the heat, literally and figuratively, in order for God’s will to be done. I hope you enjoy the poems.

Negative view Positive view

J – jealous J – just sticking to salvific plan

U – undeterred U – unwavering

D – despised D – daring

A – adversary A – abdicating apostleship

S – selfish S – sacrifice

When I started writing this post, I never intended to create two different acrostic poems. However, as I sat contemplating the person of Judas, I wondered if he was really ALL bad. Something told me the answer was no. I was reminded of God, the creator of all things good. We were created in His image and likeness, therefore, we, the children of God, all possess good qualities, regardless of how difficult they may be to see at times. My challenge to you: the next time you find yourself focusing on the negative qualities someone possesses, switch gears and focus on the positive. No one is perfect, but there is good in all of us! God bless you!

In His Presence – what a great feeling. The following was taken from the daily devotional God Calling. It is God speaking to us and it illustrates the importance of taking time to be in His Presence. Enjoy!

In My Presence

You do not realize that you would have broken down under the weight of your care but for the renewing time with Me. It is not what I say; it is I, Myself. It is not the hearing Me so much as the being in My Presence. The strengthening and curative power of this you cannot know. Such knowledge is beyond your human reckoning. This would cure the poor sick world, if everyday each soul or group of souls waited before Me. Remember that you must never fail to keep this time apart with Me. Gradually you will be transformed, physically, mentally, spiritually, into My likeness. All who see you or have contact with you will be, by this intercourse with you, brought near to Me, and gradually the influence will spread. You are making one spot of earth a Holy Place, and though you must work and spend yourself ceaselessly because that is for the present your appointed task, yet the greatest work you can do, and are doing, is done in this time apart with Me. Are you understanding that? Do you know that every thought, every activity, every prayer, every longing of the day is gathered up and offered to Me, now? Oh! Joy that I am with you. For this I came to earth, to lead man back to spirit-converse with his God.

God Bless you!