Betrayal

Genesis 37-38; Psalms 7; Luke 15 

“Judah said to his brothers, ‘What will we gain if we kill our brother and cover up his blood? Come, let’s sell him to the Ishmaelites and not lay our hands on him; after all, he is our brother, our own flesh and blood.’ His brothers agreed.”

Genesis 37:26, 27

Judah cared enough for his brother Joseph to not kill him, but not enough to save him. Selling Joseph into slavery in a distant land was almost a death sentence. When jealousy, competition, and rivalry enter our heart, we, too, can betray our brothers and sisters in the body of Christ. Jesus was betrayed by one of his disciples and he understands the bitterness of betrayal. If we have carried that bitterness, Jesus is asking us to give it to him. If we have been used to damage, betray, or wound another person, Jesus also reminds us that he can redeem even our worst sins. The descendants of Judah include the Lord Jesus Christ. God is able to redeem all things when we surrender them to him.

What is Jesus inviting us to surrender to him?

“Lord Jesus, I repent for every hurtful action against others; redeem my sin, for your glory.”