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From Heaven With Love
patiently with his unbelief and dullness. When the Holy Spirit was
poured out on the disciples, Philip taught with an assurance that
carried conviction to the hearers.
While Jesus was preparing the disciples for ordination, one who
had not been summoned urged his presence among them. Judas
Iscariot, a professed follower of Christ, came forward, soliciting a
place in this inner circle. By joining the apostles he hoped to secure
a high place in the new kingdom. He was of commanding appear-
ance, of keen discernment and executive ability, and the disciples
commended him to Jesus as one who would greatly assist Him in
His work. If Jesus had repulsed Judas, they would have questioned
the wisdom of their Master. However, the after-history of Judas
would show the danger of allowing worldly consideration to have
weight in deciding the fitness of men for the work of God.
Yet Judas felt the influence of that divine power which was
drawing souls to the Saviour. Jesus would not repulse this soul while
even one desire was reaching toward the light. The Saviour read
the heart of Judas; He knew the depths of iniquity to which, unless
delivered by the grace of God, he would sink. In connecting this
man with Himself, He placed him where he might, day by day, be
brought in contact with His own unselfish love. If he would open his
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heart to Christ, even Judas might become a subject of the kingdom
of God.
God takes men as they are and trains them for His service, if they
will be disciplined and learn of Him. Through the knowledge and
practice of the truth, through the grace of Christ, they may become
transformed into His image.
Judas had the same opportunities as had the other disciples. But
the practice of the truth was at variance with his desires and purposes,
and he would not yield his ideas in order to receive wisdom from
Heaven.
Tenderly the Saviour dealt with him who was to be His betrayer!
Jesus presented before Judas the heinous character of greed. Many a
time the disciple realized that his character had been portrayed and
his sin pointed out; but he would not confess and forsake his unrigh-
teousness. He continued to follow fraudulent practices. Lesson after
lesson fell unheeded on the ears of Judas.