With Whom Do You Stand?

by Rabbi Loren Jacobs
"When Jesus had spoken these words, He went forth with His disciples over the ravine of the Kidron, where there was a garden, in which He entered with His disciples. Now Judas also, who was betraying Him, knew the place, for Jesus had often met there with His disciples. Judas then, having received the Roman cohort and officers from the chief priests and the Pharisees, came there with lanterns and torches and weapons. So Jesus, knowing all the things that were coming upon Him, went forth and said to them, 'Whom do you seek?' They answered Him, 'Jesus the Nazarene.' He said to them, 'I am He.' And Judas also, who was betraying Him, was standing with them." John 18:1-5 (NASB)

Notice in the passage above that Judas is no longer standing with Yeshua and His disciples. He is standing with Yeshua's enemies.

You may say, "Judas is betraying the Lord and standing with His enemies. What a heinous act! What a most despicable person!" True. But how about you? Where are you standing?

Are you standing with Yeshua when He says, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me"? Or are you standing with His enemies who deny that by saying that this is not true, that this is intolerant, unfair, and that there are many ways to God?

Are you standing with Yeshua when He says that the most important thing in life is loving God with the totality of your being -- with your heart, soul and strength? Or are you standing with His enemies who say that this is fanaticism, that just a little religion is good enough?

Are you standing with Yeshua when He says that God's word, the Scriptures, is pure truth, including the smallest letter or stroke? Or are you standing with His enemies who seek to undermine and deny the authority of the word of God?

Are you standing with Yeshua when He says we are to be sanctified, and live holy lives, avoiding sex outside of marriage, and the other sins of the flesh? Or are you standing with His enemies who say that it is all right to live any kind of lifestyle you want, and have sex with anyone and everyone you want?

Are you standing with Yeshua, who respects life and is the Giver of Life? Or are you standing with His enemies who say abortion is all right and who take the lives of the most vulnerable among us?

Are you standing with Yeshua when He says we must hate our lives in this world, deny ourselves, pick up our crosses, and follow Him? Or are you standing with His enemies who tell you to pursue prosperity and wealth and a comfortable life?

Where are you standing? Solidly with Yeshua and His followers? Or on some key issues, and in some important areas, are you standing with His enemies?

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