Soul Snack 9/52 ... The Biggest Loser?
He was given one of the greatest opportunities in history - a pupil who could learn from a great leader. He was taken from humble circumstances and given the privilege of position, that in time, he may learn and then instruct in kind.The pupil was grateful. Nobody begins a commission with the intent of biting the hand that feeds them. He listened, he learned - he was happy. But the Devil works through chinks in the armour. Stealth is his favoured assault. (To Eve - “Did God really say that you must not eat from any tree in the garden?").
But the pupil has a chink; perhaps the victim of past indiscretions or a wounded childhood. The Devil looks for chinks - it is his forte.
The game benignly begins; the pupil is oblivious.
“Listen to the great teacher, pupil," says the Devil's voice, less than a whisper; more than a thought. He emphasises great in a sneering, mocking tone. “He talks of love yet there is little for you. See that he favours the brothers. You are last and least. Where is your reward? Your important role rates no mention".
The great teacher looks lovingly across at the pupil. The pupil smiles and nods but only confusion is received.
Distance has begun. Loneliness now seeded.
A heart is troubled. Was the look love or condescension? With newfound insight, the pupil decides on the latter. The devil smiles - a chink is now a crack - a good day's work.
“He loves you less," whispers the Devil as the days roll by. Soon he needs not to use the word love at all. The pupil grows in dissatisfaction. He looks for signs in the others of any sadness or rebellion - but cannot find it. Annoyingly, all seem to feel valued.
Distance now watered. Loneliness soon to arrive.
The teacher turns again and smiles. The pupil watches as the others return the emotion. Sadly, he is no longer grateful for being chosen. The pupil feigns a positive outlook; even contributes. He considers leaving - but now he is constrained.
Hate gnaws him constantly. The more the leader loves, the more the pupil hates. The Devil wants him to stay. The crack is now a rift, and a rift has many uses.
“Others know more of his plans," says the Devil. “You are out of the inner circle. Look at them smiling. They don't have a clue. Only you understand; only you are worthy; the pupil is more worthy than the teacher. You speak and he does not listen; he does not understand".
Distance now established. Loneliness has arrived - permanently.
This seduced student now decides. He is right and the teacher is wrong. He knows what must be done. Soon, the last words that he will ever hear from the teacher sear his soon to be extinguished memory.
but Jesus asked him, "Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?" Luke 22:48
The pupil turns but the Devil has left. The pupil is of no further use to him. He has gone to look for chinks in others - perhaps you or me - perhaps another. But God has a purpose - what the pupil meant for evil, God uses for His greatest victory.
The Jews lost their Messiah. God lost His son. His Son lost his life until Sunday. Judas died forever. Satan was permanently defeated.
Who finished up the most lonely? The Son, Judas, or satan?
Who was the biggest loser?
Postscript
Jesus lived and died to replace my loneliness with His friendship.
Jesus lived and died to replace my distance with His presence.
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This was kindly written by my friend Stuart Quarmby and graciously shared with Soul Supply.