The mirror. (Stillwater, Minn.) 1894-1925, 1918-07-11
JUDAS Surnamed ISCARIOT."

preached ana lived out KNOWS the part tAlS HAL
Judas played in the history of men, Here is an his
torcal fact that seems to be inherently part OF
mans knowledge all possess it, Study of the Bible
does not seem to be necessary in the acquiring OF
this knowledge. There are people who hardly know
what the Bible is and excepting Christ could not
another character in it, yet the story Of Judas
needs, for them, no telling or explanation.
Worthy of consideration, too. is the fact that
Judas receives from all the same thought-condem-
nation for the betrayal of Christ, who was his
friend. 1t matters not whether the person be be-
lever and follower of Christ, who mocks and
sees no worth in His teachings; whether he is the
devout of Christians or the vilest of sinners
one of the many who range between the two-in ev-
cry mind is adherence and shame for this man and
his deed.
But surely the betrayal of Christ by so
close to Him was not permitted merely to furnish
the world with an example of perfdy other
could ever equal. This is not in accord with Di-
vine purpose. Every touch of Gods hand proclaim
moral lesson of uplift and good for men to take
into their lives. The life of Judas is no exception
to this rule. 1t affords of the most important
lessons to be found in the Bibe-or in any record
of the thoughts and deeds of men. There is not
person who may not study it with profit so applica-
BILE is it to every walk and condition of life. See how
true this is.
The record we have of Judas is meagre but vol
could not give more accurate description OF
his character. He man of some ability and
appearance for Christ selected him one of the
twelve Apostles. To Judas was given the privi-
lege of living and walking with Him, of receiving
his personal instruction and blessing. Why was
not this ointment sold?' he inquired when Mary an
nointed Jesus feet with costly ointment in that
memorable Bethany Here we see his small,
confined soul. avaricious and grasping, occupied
with seeking some material advancement or gain.
He was treasurer of that company of Christ's
chosen few for the story tells that he had the bag
Surely no mean position. Not entirely because of
the trust and responsibility attached to the Office
but as much because some learning and experience
would be needed in the discharge of it's duties. The
record goes on to say that he was thief" This
may be taken literally, that Judas actually did steal
or guratively, the historians feeling and opinion
expressed in the most derogatory manner he knew
to use. Which view is accepted there is had
clearer estimate of Judas character and aim in life
What will ye give me?" so Judas bargained
with the enemies of Christ for His betrayal. Here
is shown the cold booded crafness of the in his
he went to those who had hired him and said, Il
have sinned;" and we know from this that Judas
understood the right and good way of living
knew what he should have done and what he should
not have DONE So we can see in Judas of
ability and appearance; who selfish, avarici-
GUS, cunning and unscrupulous and also who
was repentant- wthal, not beyond the influence of
right and good.
L..
in which any one of us might stand as the central
figure, so much in common do all men have one with
another How can we be like Judas? you ask. In
this way: Judas seeker after opportunity and
so are we. If there is any difference it is in his
favor, not in ours; for rush hther and after
opportunity he never dreamed of doing. But this
not the lesson. 1t is this that Judas schemed and
sought after opportunity and all the while he lived
in closest communion with the greatest opportunity
the world will ever know Measure life by the only
true standard there s-that of what a man does
and Judas opportunity was Incompatible We are
told that Christ gave them (the Apostes) power to
heal all sickness and disease" and them forth
exercise this power. Has such opportunity ever
been afforded other men? More, Judas was in
position to be one of the few who were to save
and bring to all the world Christianity which the
most perverted admit is mans greatest blessing and
privilege.
Yet Judas lived in the midst of these opportun-
tiles blind to all of them. His restless search for
favor and advancement brought his to be
term of reproach in the mouths of instead of the
blessing it might have been. How like the infatu-
ated, blind mortals of today. We spend time
in waiting stlessly for opportunity to snatch us
from despised position and transport in breath
to the highest pinnacle of wealth and fame. 1t is