April 5, 2023

 

 

Dear Allen Temple Family and Friends,

 

Well, here we are. In the middle of Holy Week, just days away from Resurrection Sunday! It has certainly been a journey from Ash Wednesday to what religious history refers to as "Spy Wednesday". Yes, you read it right. The reference is based on Luke 22:3-6. Some scholars believe that today, over 1900 years ago:

 

Then Satan entered into Judas called Iscariot, who was one of the twelve; he went away and conferred with the chief priests and officers of the temple police about how he might betray him to them. They were greatly pleased and agreed to give him money. So he consented and began to look for an opportunity to betray him to them when no crowd was present. Luke 22:3-6 NRSV. Judas spent this week looking for a good time to turn Jesus in.

 

I must admit, I am always struck by the beginning of verse 3, then Satan entered into Judas. What? How is that even possible? Judas was personally selected by Jesus to follow him. Judas walked with Jesus and witnessed the many miracles he performed first hand. When Jesus sent the Disciples out and equipped them with the power to heal and cast out demons, Judas received his portion. Judas heard the teachings on the hillside and in the synagogue. He was present for the most private moments and was even entrusted as the designated financial officer of the ministry. What do you mean Satan entered Judas? How did Judas end up here? Time and space will not allow me to explore the many theories that have been postulated throughout history. But please allow me to offer one possibility.

 

Our time together these past few weeks have been about a process of intentionally pausing to "hear Christ" in hopes of being more like Christ in our daily lives: Centering Down. Moreover, we highlighted the obstacles that can hinder this process and the disciplines designed to help fuel it. There is one more that we must consider. This one helps me make sense of Judas in Jesus' day and the Judas that lives in each of us. SURRENDER, the act of giving to the influence or authority of another. Surrender is the most difficult and perhaps the most important of the disciplines. Mainly, because it requires a crucifixion of our own. Our will, our expectations, our desired outcomes, our reasoning and so many other things must remain malleable on this journey.

 

I can imagine Judas must have been supremely disappointed and probably disillusioned by the idea that his notion of kingdom and freedom would not be realized. I am sure he must have been even a bit angry that the revolution he hoped for would not be televised. But rather than engaging in his own Garden of Gethsemane experience and reaching a place of surrender, he was driven to see his vision come to pass by any means necessary. And whenever we decide our will, plan, perspective, or understanding is greater than God's, whenever we refuse to give in to the influence and authority of God - Satan can and will enter in.

 

I read a headline a few days ago that I never thought I would see. Did you see it? It said, "Trump surrenders to face historic charges...He will turn himself in if indicted". It's Holy Week and you've still got time. Turn Yourself In...Surrender Voluntarily!

 

Centering Down,

Dr. Jacqueline A. Thompson

Senior Pastor