And so you are betrayed, yet not a mere betrayal - a betrayal that not only cuts the heart but wounds the spirit; betrayed by a trusted companion, a friend, one of your chosen disciples. The weight of accepting the cup from which you must drink barely minutes past and now a new weight thrust upon your shoulders - betrayal.
On this night of such darkness, this "dark night of the soul", there was not merely one betrayal but three. Christ betrayed by one of his chosen disciples, Judas Iscariot betrayed by the Sanhedrin, and Judas' own betrayal by himself ... for Judas most certainly must have lied to himself if he honestly believed this betrayal of his Lord to the Jewish leaders would force Christ into quick military action. Did you, my Lord Jesus Christ, also betray yourself? An opportunity for an "out" during that last supper that you did not take? The strength that you surely must possess - to know you are to suffer at the hands of man and yet ready to accept that fate. Were that I could be like you, Lord; willing to readily accept what Father God would ask of me, willing to trust so completely that I would put my life into His hands, acquiescent to "your will, not mine".
Father God, I too have felt the sting of betrayal and if I'm honest with myself I admit that I do betray myself ... constantly. Father God, I am reminded that I do not walk this path of betrayal alone for your Son has experienced betrayal and all of the hurt and pain that accompanies. Christ you know my ache for you too have looked into the eyes of the betrayer, felt the breath of betrayal upon your face, the kiss upon your cheek. Strengthen me Father God through you Son Jesus Christ and remove this grudge that I carry from these sagging shoulders.
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