Actions do not just affect those directly involved but can have a lasting effect for a very long time.

Matthew 27.1-10

Reference: v.3 When Judas, who had betrayed him, saw that Jesus was condemned, he was seized with remorse and returned the thirty silver coins to the chief priests and the elders. (NIV Bible)

Explore: Actions are very powerful. They do not just affect those directly involved but can have a lasting effect for a very long time. In some cases this can be positive but in other cases it can be incredibly negative. For example, a few years ago a church discovered an inappropriate relationship between two ministers on their ministry team. As I have watched the effect this has had on the congregation and as I have met with the remaining ministers from that team, I can see that the lasting effect goes way beyond that moment in time when something was revealed. The inappropriate actions between two ministers did not just affect them, or just their families. It had a lasting effect on hundreds of people and I believe it will continue to impact lives for many more years to come.
This passage, where Judas realises what he has done to Jesus, surprises me. I guess because I've always known the end of the story it seems obvious what is going to happen to Jesus. But what did Judas expect? He hands Jesus over to those who have been trying to trap him for so long. I'm sure he would never have imagined that his actions would have a lasting effect on all of eternity!!

Application: Our actions can be very powerful. While we may only be thinking of ourselves at the time, we must realise that our actions can ripple across many people's lives. Our decisions could help form other people's decisions. Now, I'm not wanting to put the pressure on everyone that we must carry the weight of the world on our shoulders. However, I am saying that sometimes we need to take into consideration the lasting effects our actions will have on others.

Prayer: Lord, your actions have resounded through the generations. May our actions be seen by others to inspire and motivate rather than to smother and pull down. Amen.

When have you experienced a situation that has had a lasting effect?