Judas's Fall by G. B. Thompson

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Dec 16, 1909

Judas's Fall

By G. B. Thompson

G. B. THOMPSON

Much is said about Judas's fall. But why is his fall mentioned so much? Is it because of the turpitude of his sin?—Possibly, for he did do a very wicked thing; he sold his Best Friend for money.

But there is another point about his fall. Peter fell. Others have also. But Judas's fall was different. His fatal weakness was not so much in that he fell, as in the fact that he seemed unable to get up again after he fell. The bag held him down.

How many there are who are like Judas in this respect. They fall, and then lie utterly prostrate, unable to get up and travel on. There is something in the heart which God condemns, but they cling to it. They make some feeble efforts to arise, but are not able to do so. Sin holds them down.

To those who fall the Lord speaks these encouraging words: “Rejoice not against me, O mine enemy: when I fall, I shall arise.” Micah 7:8. Again the Word of the Lord says: “A just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again.” Prov. 24:16. “The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the Lord upholdeth him with his hand.” Ps. 37:23, 24.

In the hour of a strong temptation it would seem from these scriptures that a good man might fall. When struggling with some strong, almost overmastering passion, through the weakness of the flesh he might yield. But there is hope. He can get up again. But to do so he must repent and give up his sin. He must let go of the bag. A little of the world in a man's heart weighs much.

But the Lord holds out to us the hope of not falling. “Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, to the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.” Jude 24, 25.

This is a precious promise. He is able to keep us from falling. Then let us not be discouraged if we have failed. We have an Advocate; through him there is forgiveness for sin. The most hopeless prodigal can arise and go to his Father, who has bread and to spare.

Takoma Park, D. C.