TOPIC: PROTECT YOUR NAME
Bible Reading: 2 Chronicles 1-3; John 12:1-17
Memory verse: “A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold” Proverbs 22:1 (KJV)
Each time I think of Judah’s Iscariot I wonder how is dad, wherever he is now, feels when his name Simon, is mentioned alongside Judah’s. At first, Judas was introduced to us as son of Simon. But his greed and love for money would forever introduce a phrase to the name to include, the “one who would betray Jesus.”
Judah was not chosen to betray Jesus even though it has been foreordained that the Son of God will be betrayed. But his love for money put him in that position and ultimately led to his death. In today’s bible reading, after Mary poured an expensive oil on Jesus’ feet and wiped his feet with her hair, we were told, “Then saith one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, which should betray him, [5] why was not this ointment sold for three hundred pence, and given to the poor?” John 12:4-5 (KJV).
Giving to the poor is a very good thing, however, since the money bag is kept with Judas it was an opportunity for him to steal with the pretence of giving to the poor. John 12:6 (NIV) tells us, “He did not say this because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief; as keeper of the money bag, he used to help himself to what was put into it.” This act of stealing later led him to betraying the Son of God for money.
This should serve as a lesson for us. How do people see and perceive you? What are you known for? Please note that people may not know much about you, but the creator is there watching you. Let’s have the mind of Joseph, who told his master’s wife in Genesis 39:9b (KJV), “How then can I do this great wickedness and sin against God?” Joseph was more conscious of an invisible God than his visible master, Portiphar.
Your actions matter a lot; They can bring praise to you or forever taint your family name like Judas did to his. Don’t let greed and selfishness lead you. Ask the Holy Spirit for guidance in all things.
Prayer: Father, help me to bring praise to Your name and to the Kingdom in Jesus name.
Bro. Worthmore Aghanenu