Opportunity Can Knock More Than Once

“Then one of the twelve, named Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests and said, ‘What are you willing to give me to betray Him to you?’ And they weighed out thirty pieces of silver to him. From then on he began looking for a good opportunity to betray Jesus” (Matthew 26:14-16).

Once Judas began looking for an opportunity to betray Jesus, apparently it didn’t take long for an opportunity to find him. While we have no idea as to the exact time that had passed, we do know that, by the end of the chapter, Judas is fulfilling his end of the bargain by betraying the Savior in the Garden of Gethsemane.

When we contemplate sin, there always seems to be ample opportunities to act upon it. For example, when Cain decided to kill Abel, I don’t suppose he had to look very far for a murder weapon. When our faith begins to waver, there always seems to be a perfect occasion to act faithlessly. For example, in the midst of the fears and doubts raised by the arrest of Jesus, suddenly Peter was faced with several opportunities to deny the Savior.

Why – when times are tough economically – is a wallet or purse, containing large amounts of cash, found in a deserted parking lot? Why – when a marriage is struggling – does an attractive stranger smile from across the room? Why – when jealousy or animosity arise in the human heart – do damaging words come so easily to human minds and lips?

Why? Perhaps these are just random coincidences. I do know that there are spiritual forces arrayed against us all that seek to destroy us. No, the devil cannot force us to sin. We make that choice. But the deceiver is certainly not above providing ample opportunities to act upon sinful impulses to those who are actively seeking them. Paul’s warning is clear: “…do not give the devil an opportunity” (Ephesians 4:27). He certainly doesn’t need the help or encouragement. So when opportunity knocks, refuse to answer the door!

God loves you!
Mike