OPPRESSION IS NOT YOUR PORTION VII
Mathew 27: 3-8
One of the goals of oppression is depression. Depression comes when you have done what you now regret or when some things happen that you don’t expect or want. When fully grown, depression can lead to a general sense of hopelessness, isolationism, mental disorder and eventually suicide. Remember that the oppressor has three ministrations – to steal, kill and destroy: Depression negatively affects how you feel about yourself, situation and others. It affects how you act. It causes feelings of uneasiness and a loss of interest to carry on.
Judas Iscariot committed an act of treachery against his master. When he discovered the way the matter ended, regret set in. At that moment, the oppressor who tempted him to betray his master scaled up to the next level. He became depressed. He saw himself as useless and hopeless. He concluded that there was no point going on. So he ended his life by committing suicide.
Now this man purchased a field with the reward of iniquity; and falling headlong, he burst asunder in the midst, and all his bowels gushed out. And it was known unto all the dwellers at Jerusalem; insomuch as that field is called in their proper tongue, Aceldama, that is to say, The field of blood. Acts 1:18-20
See the way Judas ended his life. He condemned himself in life and eternity. But could he have ended another way? The issue of prophesy about him notwithstanding, can we theorize a little bit? What is the difference between his betrayal and Peter’s denial of Jesus? Judas betrayed his master to the hands of his enemies while Peter denied him before same enemies. Yet Judas was condemned and Peter was forgiven! What dictated the different endings? Why was Peter forgiven and Judas condemned? To refuse to repent and confess is to live under the oppression of sin.
MEDITATION: If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive our sins, and cleanse us from all unrighteousness, 1 John 1:9
