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July 21, 1998
recently, i had reason to experience, then contemplate, the stiletto blade of betrayal; so i studied the ultimate betrayal...
darkness likely inked the sky; or perhaps dawn blushed the day's birth to light. at such a time, long ago, a woman no longer remembered birthed a son no one can ever forget.
she cradled and kissed him; counted all his little toes and fingers countless times; fed and changed him; smiled her love over his tiny sleeping form. mother and son -- a loving closeness like no other. she called his name judas.
he grew; like other children. his proud parents presented him at the temple -- his bar mitzvah; like other young men. one day Jesus called him to join His band of men -- disciples -- like only eleven others in eternity.
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surely there were times judas wept his tears into Jesus' lap, his heart so filled with love. surely there were times judas experienced the awesome presence of God as Jesus prayed with His band of men, and his heart was humbled and broken with that Holy Spirit joy.
and everytime judas confessed to Jesus his love and dedication-- from the depths of his heart, in all sincerity-- Jesus knew of the kiss to come.
knowing the kiss would come, Jesus loved judas with unconditional love. Jesus accepted judas' heartfelt words and tears of love and adoration --knowing the kiss to come-- and still He cradled judas in arms of love.
this is what Jesus meant when He said such things as:
"love one another as i have loved you..." and "if a man strikes you on one cheek, turn to him the other..." and "judge not, lest you be judged. for with whatever measure you judge others, that measure will be used to judge you," and forgive and let go the sins of your brother against you, " ...not up to seven times, but seventy times seven!"
the price of unconditional love is high. but forgiving my brother for kissing me with judas lips is the only price i have to pay. it is then that unconditional love can flow from me... to even an "unkind" brother.
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