Betrayal

Even my own familiar friend in whom I trusted, who ate my bread, has lifted up his heel against me.
(Psalm 41:9 NKJV)

It is believed David penned this about his trusted counsellor, Ahithopel, who turned against him and betrayed him when David’s son, Absalom, rose up against his father in an attempt to usurp the throne.

At some point in life, it is likely we will suffer the sting of betrayal from a friend, a co-worker, even a spouse, and it will cut deep. However, betrayal can have a positive effect. The hurt, heartache, and disillusionment can bring you closer to God if you don’t allow bitterness and anger to set in.

I went through a situation where I was horribly betrayed by someone I thought was a friend, and I struggled to understand why God had let it happen. Why hadn’t He protected me?

Then, while reading the book Detours by Tony Evans, I came across something that turned my thinking completely on its head. He said God often uses negative experiences to accelerate our spiritual growth and push us further along the path to the destiny He has in store for us.

When Joseph landed in prison, he could easily have blamed Potiphar’s wife for putting him there. But Mrs. Potiphar was simply the instrument used to place him in the prison, which was exactly where God needed Joseph to be in order to further prepare him for his ultimate destiny—being second in command in Egypt. Through Joseph came the saving of a nation along with Joseph’s family, the family which would become the seed the nation of Israel would grow from and the line that would bring Jesus into the world.

Jesus suffered the ultimate betrayal by a friend, and worse, it was accompanied by a kiss. A kiss, which in those times denoted love and respect, became an action of mockery and death.

I do not speak concerning all of you. I know whom I have chosen; but that the Scripture may be fulfilled, “He who eats bread with Me has lifted up his heel against Me” (John 13:18 NKJV).

It’s interesting to note that when Jesus quoted this line from the psalm, He left out the phrase, “in whom I trusted.” He knew from the beginning that Judas would betray Him. Thankfully, we will never have to suffer betrayal at that level.

Don’t get angry or bitter toward those who have hurt you. They do not know it but God is using their bad behavior for your ultimate good. Jesus is our faithful Friend. He will never betray us, never leave us, never forsake us. His loyalty and love can never be questioned. He will always remain by our side.

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose (Romans 8:28 NKJV).

Neither should you engage in payback, no matter how hurt or angry you are. Vengeance belongs to God and to Him only. If anything needs to be done, He will handle it in His perfect timing and in exactly the right measure. Do not let hurt poison your heart and hold you back from allowing God to fulfil His plan for your life. Jesus told us we have to forgive just as He forgave us. We can NEVER give more grace than He has already given us.

For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God (Ephesians 2:8 NKJV).

Betrayal can sometimes feel like death; death of hope and trust. After Jesus’ betrayal, He died on the cross but on the third day came resurrection. He will resurrect your hopes and your dreams and heal your wounds. Cling to His hand. Resurrection Sunday is on the way!