The Bitter Aftertaste of Sin

Until sin becomes bitter, Christ will not be sweet. — Thomas Watson

“Then Judas, which had betrayed Him when he saw that he was condemned, repented himself, and brought again the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders. Saying, I have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent blood. And they said, what is that to us? See thou to that. And he cast down the pieces of silver in the temple, and departed, and went and hanged himself.” (Matthew 27:3-5)

Wow! Judas! A man chosen by Jesus to be part of His original apostleship. Can you imagine having walked with Jesus? How can someone like Judas betray our Lord and Savior? What could Judas have been thinking?

I would never betray Jesus like Judas! Wait! I betray Jesus when I sin in word, thought or deed. So, I cannot criticize Judas. Satan knows how to dress and dispatch people to whatever appeals to the eyes, weaknesses and vulnerabilities? He wants us to sin against God and lose our salvation.

“For if we sin willfully after that we have received the knowledge of the Truth, there remainth no more sacrifice for sins, but a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries. (Hebrews 10:26-27)

Sin brings pain and a bitter after taste. So, our past sins of pleasures should not be looked upon with delight. “When you sit to dine with a ruler, note well what is before you, and put a knife to your throat if you are given to gluttony. Do not crave his delicacies, for that food is deceptive.” (Proverb 23:1-3).

FINAL THOUGHTS

Judas got caught up in a scheme and gave no thought about Jesus and the salvation of his soul. He now waits to be judged and sentenced on the day we must all face. (1 Thessalonians 4:16-18) (Hebrews 9:27)

“Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? (James 3:16) What about you? What about me? Are we vigilant and sober minded so we do not fall prey to the devil’s delicacies?