Jesus didn’t deserve the disrespect. He never did anything to hurt Judas. In fact Jesus blessed Judas with so many good things. One doesn’t have to argue long to have any accept that this betrayal was the worst event in human history.

David speaks in Psalm 109 with prophetic words from his own experience. He had enemies too. While David had only done his friends well some turned on him with no provocation. Lies about us always hurt.

Do you remember when a friend called or stopped in to see you? Their whole demeanor was strained, emotions were raw and their disillusionment was inconsolable. They felt wasted, their knees were physically weak from the trauma and they felt like they were scorned.

They had been betrayed. Someone that they trusted turned on them. Reason did not exist. Facts were inconsequential. Allegations were treated as if they were facts. But, truth was abandoned for extreme prejudice of what might be.

David knew what this was like. He knew the agony of the lies told about him. This man of God felt the sting of wickedness directed against him.

In the life of God’s chosen servant he had done only good to his friends. But, one of them had returned friendship with accusation. Their repayment for his good was evil and hatred.

David prays an imprecatory prayer. He is not merciful in this intercession. This is not a selfish expression of revenge. Rather it is the retribution of righteousness against evil.

These lyrics to a song long ago forgotten express the desperate heart of life that is begging God for deliverance. The horror of the experience left David exhausted and overwhelmed. It became the prophetic picture of what Jesus experienced with a kiss from Judas.

All who have had been victimized by a friend’s betrayal understand the words of David, “my heart is wounded within me.” (Ps. 109.22)

The prayer of the victim of betrayal takes one desperate lunge toward sensibility. He asks God for help. In God alone is his plea directed.
When God rescues the abused and restores his life to blessing, then that testimony validates righteousness, innocence and refreshment.

Living a life that is blessed by God with joy and success is the best retribution against our betrayers. The words from the mouth of the righteous are praise to God. God can, will and does rescue those who have suffered the agony of betrayal.

Psalm 109

photo credit: yahoo image

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