In John chapter 12, the Beloved Disciple wrote by THE SPIRIT:
1 Then, six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus was who had been dead, whom He had raised from the dead.
2 There they made Him a supper; and Martha served, but Lazarus was one of those who sat at the table with Him.
3 Then Mary took a pound of very costly oil of spikenard, anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped His feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the oil.
4 But one of His disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, who would betray Him, said,
5 “Why was this fragrant oil not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?”
6 This he said, not that he cared for the poor, but because he was a thief, and had the money box; and he used to take what was put in it.
Jesus had a thief among His twelve disciples which happened to be the treasurer, the proverbial fox in the hen house. Was Jesus aware of what Judas was doing? FATHER knew thus we must conclude Jesus was aware of it also for He had already told the disciples the parable of the rich fool and spoke “Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses.” (Luke 12:15)
One of the reasons people don’t give into ministry is because they judge according to what they believe will be the use or misuse of the funds to be. Jesus knew Judas was pilfering from the treasury yet He did not prevent people from supporting the ministry. He knew that FATHER would bless those who gave no matter what the use of the funds. FATHER blesses based on the intent of the heart, not the result by the recipient. Unconditional Love gives even though there is a risk of misuse. The issue is one of stewardship while we are walking out this life. Paul wrote by THE SPIRIT in 1 Timothy chapter 6:
6 Now godliness with contentment is great gain.
7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.
8 And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content.
9 But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition.
10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
Those with the ability to give are tested in their willingness to fund the Gospel. If you are waiting for the perfect organization to give into, you are simply rationalizing why you should hold on to your temporary wealth. Some would say they are hoarding their funds as an inheritance for their children. Let the children learn to trust in FATHER rather than trust in some future inheritance which could become worthless overnight by one stroke of a government pen.
Jesus was not moved by Judas’ thievery. He could have exposed it at any time yet Judas’ greed played a part in fulfilling the salvation of the world. We must focus our attention on walking according to FATHER’S Divine Intent and we will have sufficiency in all things. Let us not trust in money for it has wings and can fly away at any moment. If FATHER says to give, then give. If FATHER says to give to a particular person or organization then do so cheerfully even though you have no assurance of its use. FATHER is looking for obedience to HIM. HE knows who can be trusted and who is a thief. After all, HE did use a thief as an instrument in fulfilling the Plan for mankind.
John chapter 14 Jesus spoke the following assurance:
25 “These things I have spoken to you while being present with you.
26 But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.
27 Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
28 You have heard Me say to you, ‘I am going away and coming back to you.’ If you loved Me, you would rejoice because I said, ‘I am going to the Father,’ for My Father is greater than I.”
Our peace and contentment originates from Above, not our bank account or our possessions. They are temporary in nature whereas our relationship with FATHER is eternal. Let us keep our focus on the right priorities.