How God deals with traitors in His Kingdom

It caused quite a stir when the New York Times published an anonymous letter indicating how people inside the administration work against Mr Trump.  How are leaders supposed to handle such things?  Does the Bible give us insight how the glorious eternal God, Ruler of the eternal Kingdom, will prevent something like that during His eternal reign? 

#  Jesus and the traitor in His midst

“Then of the Twelve – the one called Judas Iscariot – went to the chief priests and asked, ‘What are you willing to give me if I hand Him over to you?'” ¹  It was the time of the Passover and Jerusalem was filled with pilgrims.  Therefore it was difficult for the leaders to know exactly where Jesus would be in the evening, as they did not want to draw unnecessary attention to their scheme to get rid of Him.

#  Jesus’ grace towards Judas 

Jesus identified Judas as the traitor in front of the other disciples. ²  That was to give Judas the opportunity to reconsider.  Why did Judas not repent?  There is a twofold answer: 

• Judas loved money.  Lazarus and his sisters gave a dinner in Jesus’ honour.  Mary took some expensive perfume and anointed Jesus’ feet.  We read in John 12:1-6,  “But one of His disciples, Judas Iscariot, who was later to betray Him, objected, ‘Why wasn’t this perfume sold and the money given to the poor?  It was worth a year’s wages?’ He did not say this because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief; as keeper of the money bag, he used to help himself to what was put into it.” 
• Satan entered Judas.  ‘The evening meal was being served, and the devil had already prompted Judas Iscariot, son of Simon, to betray Jesus.’  Jesus identified Judas, “‘[The one who will betray me] is the one to whom I will give this piece of bread when I have dipped it in the dish.’  Then, dipping the piece of bread, He gave it to Judas Iscariot, son of Simon.  As soon as Judas took the bread, Satan entered into him.” ³ 

#  God and traitors

• God uses this age to identify the rebels, ‘independents’ and traitors who belong to the devil.  They themselves make it very clear they are not in the least interested in God and don’t want to be associated with Him.  Logically they will not be with God in the age to come.
• Let’s compare God’s brilliance to Mr Trump’s dilemma.  He is the president, but he has no way to identify the secret traitors.  God’s advantage is that he knows all things.  Therefore He allows the traitors to expose themselves before the eternal Kingdom begins.  It is on this side of the grave that people pledge loyalty to God, through Jesus Christ. 

Conclusion

God’s called, chosen and faithful followers ⁴ will enjoy the privileges of the eternal reign of God.  What a precious reward for loyalty.  And Mr Trump?  As commanded in 1 Timothy 2:1-6, we are to pray for him as for other leaders.

References

1. Matthew 26:14-15  
2. Matthew 26:21-26  
3. John 13:21-27  
4. Revelation 17:14