The Pain of Betrayal

King David wrote from the depth of a heart broken by the betrayal of a close friend when he said, “For it is not an enemy who taunts me-- then I could bear it; it is not an adversary who deals insolently with me-- then I could hide from him. But it is you, a man, my equal, my companion, my familiar friend. We used to take sweet counsel together; within God's house we walked in the throng. … My companion stretched out his hand against his friends; he violated his covenant. His speech was smooth as butter, yet war was in his heart; his words were softer than oil, yet they were drawn swords.” (Psalms 55:12-14, 20-21). I have often wondered in the apostle Paul’s list of perils (2 Corinthians 11:24-27), if he didn’t save the worst for the last when he wrote, “in the peril of false brethren” (verse 26). Painful beyond description are such betrayals. Yet none are as great as what our Lord endured. Sadly I must recall my own betrayal of Him in the midst of those betrayals I have both suffered and may yet be called to suffer again. I must do right and focus, as King David did under such circumstances when he said, “Cast your burden on the LORD, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved.” (Psalms 55:22) The truth is, we’ve been called to suffer for doing right—let us glory in such suffering with Paul as we depend on God for strength to do right (2 Corinthians 12:7-10). We can do no less, if we are going to let our light shine!