Devotion for Saturday, July 4, 2026

“Now he who was betraying Him had given them a signal, saying, “Whomever I kiss, He is the one; seize Him and lead Him away under guard.”  After coming, Judas immediately went to Him, saying, “Rabbi!” and kissed Him” (Mark 14:44-45).

The illusion of power strikes us in the simplest of places.  The sinner lives to boss other people.  We turn to the one who will be betrayed and pretend to be friendly, even addressing them with a title —such foolishness— as if heaven could be deceived.  Judas portrays what every rebellious sinner pretends to do in the delusions of this age.  All power and authority belong to the Lord.  Judas could not have done this if God had not allowed it for His own purpose.

Lord, we each have free will and can act in our sinfulness.  But there is also the truth that everything we do is known by You.  What none of us knows are the times when You stopped things from happening by the will of others.  Through this simple lesson, help us to better understand the pretenses that go on all around us.  Guide us to live the good life and abide in You and live according to Your will now and forever.

Lord Jesus, You taught us to pray, “Thy will be done.”  You demonstrated this by willingly being led to the cross.  Guide me, Lord Jesus, so that I willingly go where You send me and live in the Father’s way of righteousness.  Help me now and always to look to You, the source of grace and live in the way You are guiding me to live.  Give me ears to hear and eyes to see so that I may now and always follow You in the truth You have revealed.  Amen.