"Let His Days Be Few..."

by Steve Hale

"Let his days be few; Let another take his office" ( Psalm 109:8). .
This is a prophecy of David, written about 1000 years before Christ. Its
fulfillment is realized in the appointment of Matthias to take the place of Judas Iscariot ( Acts 1:16-20). His tainted leadership as an apostle would not last long.
As prophesied by Zechariah (11:12, 13), Judas betrayed Jesus for the price of a common slave (30 pieces of silver). Overcome with guilt, Judas threw down the money before the chief priests and elders ( Matthew 27:3-10), and went out and hanged himself ( Matthew 27:5). Luke tells us that he fell headlong, and burst asunder ( Acts 1:18). A terrible death indeed, as his days were few. The drawing of lots. found the lot falling to Matthias.
Who is to say that betraying the Lord, as with Judas, was worse than denying the Lord "three times, as with Peter? Peter repented ( John 21:15-19) while Judas committed suicide. But there are significant differences between the two.
Judas Iscariot came from Kerioth (Iscariot means "man from Kerioth"), Which located in the south of Judah ( Joshua 15:25). While we know nothing of Judas' early life, he must have had some aptitude for business, and was made treasurer by the other apostles ( John 12:6; 13:29). Not only did this show respect for his business ability, but their trust for him.
Perhaps when the Lord pressed to His followers that His Kingdom, was heavenly, not earthly, Judas changed. Many did not walk with him anymore, and it is here when John speaks of the betrayer ( John 6:60-71). His pretended zeal for the poor was really covetousness, because as a thief, he would pilfer from the treasury ( John 12:6). His heart already blackened with sin, Judas was easy prey for Satan to enter in, and betray Jesus ( Mark 14:10).
Though he was impetuous, Peter did not have some of the basic character flaws the New Testament reveals of Judas. Character is important in leadership, and the lack of it in Judas caused "his days to be few and another to take his office.
Character is vital in leadership! Elders are to have a good name among those outside the church ( 1 Timothy 3:7)! National and local leaders must be people of high moral character as well ( 1 Samuel 8:1ff). Remember that Nov. 5!

November 3, 1996

Related Articles:

Jack the Dripper -Sep 18, 1994
What Medical Ethics? -Oct 31, 1993
What a Waste! -Oct 08, 1989
Keep on Kicking -Mar 06, 1988
Jesus as the Author of Happiness -Jan 17, 1988

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"Let His Days Be Few..." by Steve Hale "Let his days be few; Let another take his office" ( Psalm 109:8). . This is a prophecy of David, written about 1000 years before Christ. Its fulfillment is realized in the appointment of Matthias to take the place of Judas Iscariot ( Acts 1:16-20). His tainted leadership as an apostle would not last long. As prophesied by Zechariah (11:12, 13), Judas betrayed Jesus for the price of a common slave (30 pieces of silver). Overcome with guilt, Judas threw down the money before the chief priests and elders ( Matthew 27:3-10), and went out and hanged himself ( Matthew 27:5). Luke tells us that he fell headlong, and burst asunder ( Acts 1:18). A terrible death indeed, as his days were few. The drawing of lots. found the lot falling to Matthias. Who is to say that betraying the Lord, as with Judas, was worse than denying the Lord "three times, as with Peter? Peter repented ( John 21:15-19) while Judas committed suicide. But there are significant differences between the two. Judas Iscariot came from Kerioth (Iscariot means "man from Kerioth"), Which located in the south of Judah ( Joshua 15:25). While we know nothing of Judas' early life, he must have had some aptitude for business, and was made treasurer by the other apostles ( John 12:6; 13:29). Not only did this show respect for his business ability, but their trust for him. Perhaps when the Lord pressed to His followers that His Kingdom, was heavenly, not earthly, Judas changed. Many did not walk with him anymore, and it is here when John speaks of the betrayer ( John 6:60-71). His pretended zeal for the poor was really covetousness, because as a thief, he would pilfer from the treasury ( John 12:6). His heart already blackened with sin, Judas was easy prey for Satan to enter in, and betray Jesus ( Mark 14:10). Though he was impetuous, Peter did not have some of the basic character flaws the New Testament reveals of Judas. Character is important in leadership, and the lack of it in Judas caused "his days to be few and another to take his office. Character is vital in leadership! Elders are to have a good name among those outside the church ( 1 Timothy 3:7)! National and local leaders must be people of high moral character as well ( 1 Samuel 8:1ff). Remember that Nov. 5! November 3, 1996 Related Articles: Jack the Dripper -Sep 18, 1994 What Medical Ethics? -Oct 31, 1993 What a Waste! -Oct 08, 1989 Keep on Kicking -Mar 06, 1988 Jesus as the Author of Happiness -Jan 17, 1988 Print this Article Discuss this Article Back to the Sermon Page	Mt. Juliet Church of Christ 1940 N. Mt. Juliet Road P.O.Box 248 Mt.Juliet, TN 37122-0248 (615)758-2274 Fax:615-754-2351 Email Worship Services: Sunday Early Worship: 8AM Sunday Bible Study: 9:15AM Sunday Late Worship: 10:15AM Night Worship: 6PM Wednesday Bible Study: 7PM