Available for Satan’s Use

Luke 22:3
“Then entered Satan into Judas surnamed Iscariot, being of the number of the twelve.”

I often struggle with Judas and his betrayal of Christ. I struggle because he walked with Jesus for three years and saw all the good works that Jesus performed, yet he still was willing to betray Jesus to the enemy. It is hard to comprehend how Judas would betray Jesus when he saw Him heal the sick, raise the dead, cause the blind to see, make the lame to walk, and so much more.

How could one who followed Jesus for three years become a tool of Satan to try to destroy him? The answer is that he became available for Satan’s use. Sadly, many believers are on the same path that Judas took to betraying the very heritage that LORD has given them. Five things made Judas available as a tool for Satan to use.

First, Judas went his way. In verse 4, Judas stopped following the Saviour to go his own way. It is not that the way you want to go is bad, but if your way is not the way of following where Jesus would want you to go, then your way is the wrong way. Any way other than the LORD’s way is the wrong way. It doesn’t matter how much another way will help others; if it is not done the LORD’s way, it becomes the wrong way. God is more interested in you doing things His way than He is with what you can accomplish in another way. Following the LORD’s way always reveals your trust of God.

Second, Judas communed with the enemy. You will always find the wrong crowd when you go your way in life. Nobody has ever found the wrong crowd when they walked in Jesus’ way. Jesus’ way is the soul-winning way. Jesus’ way is the King James Bible way. Jesus’ way is the “loving the sinner” way. Jesus’ way is the holy living way. Jesus’ way is the old paths way. The moment you start communing with the wrong crowd in their books and conferences is when you will find yourself straying from Jesus’ way.

Third, Judas made money his focus. Judas was more concerned with money than he was in doing right. You are not far from denying the Saviour’s way when you follow money and let it become the focus of your decisions. Many people have transferred away from a good church to make more money only to find themselves out of church and living in the world to their family’s detriment. There is no amount of money that is worth losing your family over. Whenever a pastor or a believer makes money their focus is when they become available to be a tool for Satan’s use.

Fourth, Judas found fault with Jesus’ way. He would not have betrayed Jesus had he believed in Jesus’ way. You will always find fault with the right way when Jesus’ way doesn’t agree with your way. You will always find fault with the right way when you are communing with the wrong crowd and walking your own way. My friend, when you run with the wrong crowd is when you will find fault with the perfect way.

Fifth, Judas sought better opportunities. The greatest opportunity in your life is to follow Jesus. Judas wanted to be with the “in crowd” because Jesus’ crowd was not popular. You will find that Satan can use you as his tool when what is popular is what dictates your decisions. It would be sad to be saved and yet be a tool that Satan uses to accomplish his purpose to destroy Jesus’ way. Don’t let better opportunities deter you from walking in Jesus’ way.

Author: Allen Domelle