Is Your Enemy Close Enough to Kiss You?

Mark 14:43-46
Just as he was speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, appeared. With him was a crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests, the teachers of the law, and the elders.
Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: “The one I kiss is the man; arrest him and lead him away under guard.” Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, “Rabbi!” and kissed him. The men seized Jesus and arrested him.

I attended a conference a couple of years ago where Bishop TD Jakes spoke. It was a message for church leaders. He told us the story of Judas and reminded us that our enemy would always be close enough to kiss us. That is a little unsettling don't you think? But think about it... Satan is always at work in your life. You may not see him directly, but he is working to put obstacles in your way... the wrong people in your life. While these people in our lives may not be as obviously deceitful as Judas, the wrong people in your life can lead you down a path not chosen for you by God.

What happens when you find yourself surrounded by the wrong people? How do you even know they are the wrong people? Unfortunately we don't have humanly wisdom equal to the Divine wisdom Jesus had in Mark 14:18 but we do have the power of prayer. God calls us to walk on the path of righteousness (Proverbs 2:20) and to do that we must fully rely on Him, His Word and His Wisdom. Bathe your life in prayer. Ask the Lord to show you His way, His people, His path.

If you find yourself struggling spiritually, pray for the Lord to surround you with His friends so there is no room for the enemy to get close enough to kiss you!