THE DEEP WOUNDS OF BETRAYAL. I almost think there’s not a more severe wound than that of betrayal. Ever heard the expression, “Et tu Brutè?” Said about Marcus Brutus, Roman general, one of the conspirators in Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar. Though he is Caesar’s friend and a man of honour, Brutus joins in the conspiracy against Caesar’s life, convincing himself that Caesar’s death is for the greater good of Rome. Betrayal is not just when someone hurts you, it is when a trusted friend betrays your confidence, breaks covenant with you, all the while smiling to your face and speaking great swelling words to affirm your trust. In the days of King David, David was betrayed by his son Absalom and some of David’s mighty men including Ahithophel, who was David’s counselor, advisor and friend. Many believe the following was written about this man Ahithophel.
“For it is not an enemy who reproaches me; Then I could bear it. Nor is it one who hates me who has exalted himself against me; Then I could hide from him. But it was you, a man my equal, My companion and my acquaintance. We took sweet counsel together, And walked to the house of God in the throng.” Psalms 55:12-14
Most of us know about the betrayal of Judas. The man chosen to be one of the twelve. He walked with Jesus for three years. Sat at Jesus’ feet saw many miracles and performed many miracles. But in the end, his heart was not right towards his Lord. Greed got the best of him and yet he still proclaimed his innocence at the last supper. “Then Judas, who was betraying Him, answered and said, “Rabbi, is it I?” He said to him, “You have said it.”” (Matt 26:25) He asked the question knowing the whole time he planned on betraying Jesus. He is written in history as the betrayer. One might say that betrayal is in the DNA of Christianity.
I don’t think most people set out to betray. Betrayal comes when you let something wicked in your heart that should never be there. It could be an offense, a root of bitterness, pride, envy and the like; or like Judas, greed. Like Brutus, you deceive yourself into thinking you are right and justified in your actions. You begin to look suspiciously at someone when you used to look lovingly at them. You question their motives and then begin to share your doubts with others in order to cast more suspicion.
I heard a sermon one time about betrayal and that in the church specifically, there’s always a Judas in the making and before you take communion, you should ask yourself, “Is it I?” This is a serious issue because in the church, you are not just “attending” a group meeting. No. You are in a covenant relationship with the Body of Christ.
Americans don’t understand covenant, but you need to. That local church body where God has placed you to love, serve, respect and just live life with His body was formed from the blood of Christ. Just as Christians are in a covenant relationship with God through the blood of the Lamb, we are in a covenant relationship with one another. You are not just in a “meeting” with other coworkers. You are in a covenant relationship formed in blood. David said of Ahithophel, “he has broken his covenant”. Betrayal is serious business.
Yet, we are told in these days of lawlessness men will be “covenant-breakers”. I am truly sorry if you have been betrayed by a friend. The pain at times is deep and severe. I have been wounded multiple times by others I was in covenant with. At one time, I thought I might never recover it hurt so bad. Here’s what I can tell you: most men don’t start out to betray, they let in a seed/lie from the enemy along the way. It is a heart issue they never took care of, and their love has grown cold.
Like Brutus, they will think what they are doing is right, deceiving themselves. You should feel pity for them. You have to guard your own heart from any bitterness. Love them and bless them because betrayal has serious consequences. Next, put a guard over your mouth. I mean it. Watch what you say and how you say it. Our Lord kept quiet.
God will work everything out and bring all that was done in the dark into the light. You don’t need to defend yourself. God is your great Defender and He is good at His job. Lastly, there is always a Judas in the making. Keep your heart clean and pure from all offense. Take your covenant with others seriously! Examine your heart regularly and ask the Lord, “is it I?” Listen and respond to the Spirit. Betrayal of the covenant has life or death consequences.
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