The pastor pointed out the parentheses that sometimes accompany Judas’ name in the Bible.
Something I’d never noticed. It’s kind of a Bible-geek thing with a real-world application.
In Acts 1, when Peter refers to Judas, the reference is placed in parentheses. A similar thing happens other places in the Gospels, such as here.
The point isn’t the parentheses. The point is that this guy’s name would always be accompanied by a descriptor.
He would forever be Judas (the one who betrayed Jesus).
The pastor asked a great question.
What’s in YOUR parentheses?
Rich (the guy who… )
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We need to be careful here, because Judas is sort of an extreme example. For a lot of us, one of our biggest fears is being remembered and judged for our worst mistake. If that’s the case, I’m doomed.
I’m glad it doesn’t work that way. I’m grateful for grace and forgiveness and the ability to write new chapters.
I think Jesus offers you and me the opportunity each day to decide what goes inside our parentheses.
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I wonder if this could overwhelm us. Maybe we think our parentheses should contain something big and famous or it just won’t be enough.
We’re beginning to plan FREEDOM TOUR 2025. Maybe my parentheses need to say something like (the guy who figured out how to raise millions and millions of dollars).
But what if that’s not what Jesus has in mind at all?
What if He really wants our parentheses to say (the one who loved God and loved their neighbor)?