Daily Companion  | 18 November

LORD, IS IT I?

"And they were exceedingly sorrowful, and each of them began to say to Him, “Lord, is it I?” - Matthew 26:22

Maxine had always been a trusting person. She believed that if someone said they were her friend, they would be a friend for life. One day, Maxine got a call from one of her few friends, Sarah. Sarah asked if she could crash at Maxine's house for a week, and Maxine happily agreed. She thought it would be a great opportunity for the two of them to catch up and reconnect. When Sarah arrived, Maxine welcomed her with open arms. But something felt off. 

Sarah seemed distant and distracted. After a few days, Maxine started to get suspicious and asked Sarah what was wrong, but Sarah insisted nothing was wrong. One night, Maxine decided to stay up late and snoop around Sarah's room. Maxine found a stack of letters that revealed Sarah had been plotting to steal her identity and use her bank accounts to get money. Maxine was shocked and devastated but she learned an important lesson. 

Betrayal is a painful experience for the victims. During betrayal, someone's identity is often compromised. Like Maxine's, our Lord Jesus' identity was compromised by Judas. The apostles had their share of the betrayal experience. And the church today still, unfortunately, experiences betrayal at the hands of trusted members who have been compromised by sin and satan. The question is, Is it you? Is it I? 

Remember, Achan betrayed Israel with the sin of immorality. Which sin are you committing secretly to betray the church of God which entrusts so much into your hands? Judas betrayed his Master with 30 shekels of silver (less than 300 dollars) but he never lived to enjoy the money. "Woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed!" Jude 1:11 says, "Woe to them! For they have gone in the way of Cain, have run greedily in the error of Balaam for profit, and perished in the rebellion of Korah." But you can repent now if you have found yourself on the curb of treachery against your Lord. 

Beloved as you step out today, beware of traitors. Take also heed that Satan does not tempt you to trade Your Lord for silver or gold, or the pleasure of sin for a season.

Today’s Recite: "Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place—unless you repent." - Revelation 2:5 (NKJV)

For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened... if they fall away, to renew them again to repentance, since they crucify again for themselves the Son of God, and put Him to an open shame."  - Hebrews 6:4-6

Today’s Morning Prayer: Lord I thank You for another opportunity to reflect. I know sinning behind Your back is like betraying You. I receive grace to be loyal to You no matter what. I will not trade You for gold or fame in this world. I receive grace to be steadfast till the end in Jesus name. Amen!

Today’s Hymn: OLD RUGGED CROSS  

Today's ReadMe: 1 Timothy 4 - 6