Today has not gone as planned, Father, in that there are a few more hurdles to clear before being a full-time bus driver. But…I am not anxious, Father, for it is all Your hands as it has been from the beginning. You are the Lord of my life and Your will will be done regardless of the motives of any outside source!

Matthew 26:45-50 (<<click to read the passage)

Of all things – a kiss! When we think of kisses they are always a positive thing. Just this morning, a little one was waiting with her father to board the bus and when we pulled up and stopped, she took a step away and then without the slightest hesitation she turned and looked up and he bent, giving her a gentle kiss as he did. Simple…loving…caring… expressing a multitude of emotions and feelings in such a small gesture.

A note from the Amplified Bible states,

A kiss on either the hand or cheek was usually an act of homage and a common gesture of greeting and reverence given to a rabbi by his disciples, but done here to identify Jesus.

But Judas’ kiss was neither a kiss of love or of homage. It was a formality that pointed Jesus out, not because Jesus was hard to recognize, but because Judas had agreed to be the formal accuser in case a trial was called.*

Yes, it was a kiss but it was one of betrayal. Satan twists so many beautiful, meaningful things perverting them, distorting them.

Lord, what does this mean for me today? You call us to be the real deal, no deception, no masks, and no twists. May I be the genuine article in all – not just some – of my interactions with everyone with whom I come in contact. That’s what You did and what I must do as well. Amen!

*Life Application Study Bible New Living Translation

Nov 28th, 2018, Tues, 7:16 pm