" 'But behold, the hand of My betrayer is with Me on the table. And truly the Son of Man goes as it has been determined; but woe to that man by whom He is betrayed.' "
Luke 22:21-22
Jesus was walking out the plan that had been "determined." According to that plan established in prophecy, He had to die in suffering on a cross. Peter affirmed that He was "delivered by the determined purpose and foreknowledge of God" (Acts 2:23). The sovereignty of God's plan is plain in Scripture. "My counsel shall stand, and I will do all My pleasure...Indeed, I have spoken it; I will also bring it to pass. I have purposed it; I will also do it" (Isaiah 46:10-11).
But the sovereignty of God's plan is a sticky issue. Where does Judas fit into this picture? If Judas was destined by God to betray Jesus, was He culpable? Was He just a pawn on God's chess board without any choice in the matter? Here's what I believe. I believe that predestination is based in God omniscience. Peter said that the purpose of God was wrapped up in His foreknowledge. Paul also acknowledges this precept when he wrote, "...whom He foreknew He also predestined..." (Romans 8:29). God knows those who will choose to receive God's gift of salvation by the choice of their will. Likewise, God knows we are sinners by choice, not because God ordained it. I do not believe God forced Judas to betray the Lord Jesus, but He knew beforehand what was in Judas' heart.
I know that God is not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance (II Peter 3:9). I think this included Judas. Could the "woe" Jesus pronounced be a plea to Judas to repent? If Judas had repented, God's plan would have been accomplished by someone else who would have submitted to Satan's bidding. But God knew what Judas would do.
God knows what I will choose to do today. I want to be submitted to His righteous will.
Today's Thought: God's plan will be accomplished according to His foreknowledge.
Have a righteous day. Love you.
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