Good Deeds

TITLE: Good Deeds
DATE:  October 16, 2019

Christ is risen. He is risen, indeed,
​
TEXT: Mat 26: 47- 50 – ESV - While he was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, arrived. With him was a large crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests and the elders of the people. 48 Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: “The one I kiss is the man; arrest him.” 49 Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” and kissed him. 50 Jesus replied, “Do what you came for, friend.”[d]

At my first church in Edgemont, South Dakota, an Elder shared a sad expression with me.
It is an expression which the years have shown me have  a certain degree of truth. What he said to me almost half a century ago was this: “Pastor you will do well to remember: no good deed ever goes unpunished."

That was the case when Walter Monckton retired from 20 years as a faithful, unpaid, servant of the Duke of Windsor (formerly King Edward VIII of England).

Now you may wonder what kind of gift a Duke might give to an individual who has dedicated his entire life to your comfort, security and well-being? In what way can he show how touched he has been by this assistant’s tireless efforts.

Never in 100 years could you guess. Well. Maybe you could.

Did you guess an engraved cigarette case? Well, maybe you could guess that...

....but I’ll bet you didn’t guess the Duke misspelled the servant’s name!

Monckton's insult is nothing compared to the one given to Jesus by His betrayer.

For His caring, His preaching, His devotion, His sacrifice, Judas betrayed Him with a kiss! Understand, this is not a kiss of admiration or respect, it is one of betrayal. It is a kiss which will take Jesus to His cross where He will win salvation for humankind  Judas might have pointed Jesus out with a hand gesture, or yelled, "That's the Man!" He could have done that, but that would have been too simple for the Father of Lies.

As my elder said, “No good deed ever goes unpunished.” Of course that has never been a revelation for Jesus.   

We have never betrayed Jesus with anything as dramatic as a kiss. Nevertheless, Satan is enthusiastic in telling us to  betray our Lord. In large ways and small, he would have us demean the work of our Lord and devalue the sacrifice He has made.

To his encouragement to betraall, we must, with Holy Spirit given faith say "No." By God’s grace, each day we should recommit ourselves to the Christ Who has saved us with His life’s blood as the price.

We must be sure His love for us on the cross will never be punished. by our betrayal.

THE PRAYER: Lord Jesus, help me touch lives for You as I say 'thanks' in every way possible for Your action of salvation. In my life, may there never be a kiss of betrayal - to You or anyone around me. This I ask in Your Name. Amen.

he music which introduces and concludes our devotions was written by Guy Baumann. He along with three of his brothers perform on the album: The Baumann Brothers which may be ordered here: http://thebaumannbrothers.com/index.html