Every heart has a combination. Everyone has something or someone that unlocks their heart. It's like the master password that protects the financial and other identity information on your computer or smartphone. When that person or thing collides with your heart it reveals what's really inside.
In Mark chapter 14 we discover the combination to the heart of one of the 12 disciples. Judas had spent almost every waking hour for three years of his life with Jesus. Yet, when the right combination collided with Judas' heart it revealed a rotten core. What was the combination to Judas heart?
In Mark 14:1-9 Judas witnessed a woman pour a very costly oil on Jesus. As keeper of the money bag, Judas chastised the woman for wasting the oil when it could have been sold to help the poor. After witnessing this event Judas when straight to the religious leaders and offered to deliver Jesus over to them in exchange for... you guessed it, money.
For three years Judas ate with Jesus, he ministered in Jesus name and even cast out demons in His name. Yet, he was bought off when the right combination collided with his heart.
What's the combination to your heart? Let's face it, Judas isn't the last person to exchange Jesus for money. What will you give up Jesus in exchange for?
Another way to look at it is by asking this question: Where do you draw the line in following Jesus? You may not verbalize it, but there are many who think things like: "I'll follow you Jesus unless 'this' happens or unless 'that' happens." or "I'll follow you Jesus, as long as it's convenient for me but the moment I have to step out of my comfort zone I'm done."
Here's what you need to do: Put your heart on "trial." The purpose of going before a judge or jury in a "trial" is to try and reveal the truth. Sometimes our human courts get it right and sometimes they fail miserably. There is One Judge that never get's it wrong, God. Psalm 139:23-24 says, "Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts."
Ask God to put your heart on "trial," so that your true heart might be revealed. I'm warning you from personal experience. It may be painful...It will be hard...but it will be worth it. Getting the correct combination to your heart will enable you to "live the life" God has called you to live. (Eph. 4:1)
(This post is based on the sermon I preached at Geist Community Church on October 28, 2012. You can listen to/watch it or download the notes here.)
