Remorse or Repentance?

Daily Reading: Matthew 27

Then when Judas, his betrayer, saw that Jesus was condemned, he changed his mind and brought back the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and the elders, saying, “I have sinned by betraying innocent blood.” They said, “What is that to us? See to it yourself.” (Matthew 27.3-4)

Devotional Thought: Judas came to realize that he had “sinned by betraying innocent blood.”  Filled with remorse (but not repentance), Judas tried to wash his hands of the matter by returning the money to the chief priests and elders.  When they would not accept it, he threw it into the temple in desperation. 

All to no avail.  Judas did not find relief.  He only compounded his misery.  When he should have turned to the light of Jesus, he instead turned to the darkness of despair.  The Bible says he took his own life without any sign of repentance, simply remorse.

The response of the chief priests and elders to Judas illustrates Satan’s treatment of those whom he beguiles: “That’s your problem, not mine!”  Satan will promise us so much to get us to betray the Lord: wealth, pleasures, freedom, respect… you name it.  If it’s something you want, Satan will offer it.  Then, when we discover the emptiness of our possessions and accomplishments, Satan will not care one iota: “You’re on your own!”

Judas was never able to turn away from himself and trust in Jesus completely.  Though he once lived for Christ, he died without Christ. By God’s grace, however, failure need not be fatal.  Peter failed yet was reclaimed through repentance and confession. 

What about you?  Have you failed?  It need not be fatal!  Do not turn to remorse and despair but repent and turn to Jesus!

Prayer: Thank you, Lord, that with you, failure is not final!  If and when I should fail, help me to turn to you and find forgiveness and freedom.  Amen.

Psalm of the Day: Psalm 96.7-13

7 Ascribe to the Lord, O families of the peoples, ascribe to the Lord glory and strength! 8 Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name; bring an offering, and come into his courts! 9 Worship the Lord in the splendor of holiness; tremble before him, all the earth! 10 Say among the nations, “The Lord reigns! Yes, the world is established; it shall never be moved; he will judge the peoples with equity. ” 11 Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice; let the sea roar, and all that fills it; 12 let the field exult, and everything in it! Then shall all the trees of the forest sing for joy. 13 before the Lord, for he comes, for he comes to judge the earth. He will judge the world in righteousness, and the peoples in his faithfulness.