Inopportune Opportunity

As I was reading in Luke, I came upon some other opportunities mentioned.  "So they watched [for an opportunity to ensnare] Him, and sent spies who pretended to be upright (honest and sincere), that they might lay hold of something He might say, so as to turn Him over to the control and authority of the governor."  (Luke 20:20) 

Or how about this one?  "But [then] Satan entered into Judas, called Iscariot, who was one of the Twelve [apostles].  And he went away and discussed with the chief priests and captains how he might betray Him and deliver Him up to them.  And they were delighted and pledged [themselves] to give him money.  So he agreed [to this], and sought an opportunity to betray Him to them [without an uprising] in the absence of the throng."  (Luke 22:3-6)

How did Jesus meet these inopportune opportunities?  BOLDLY and with TRUTH!  In the first instance, Luke says that Jesus recognized and understood their cunning and unscrupulousness and spoke to them.  He saw their hearts.  And he met them head on. 

Have you ever been challenged by someone who you knew was trying to manipulate, threaten,  intimidate, control---or even destroy you?   We can be destroyed by the fear alone that enters our own hearts from such a confrontation!  But Jesus didn't walk in fear.  He walked in love, power and a sound mind.  (The same attributes afforded to us.)  Jesus knew the Pharisees wanted to trap him.  He knew Judas had betrayed him.  And he knew Satan wanted to destroy him.   But instead of cowering in fear, it became Jesus' opportunity to turn and confront them with truth.  He was lionhearted.

I desire that kind of discernment.  But mostly, I desire that kind of fearlessness. 

"And do not [for a moment] be frightened or intimidated in anything by your opponents and adversaries, for such [constancy and fearlessness] will be a clear sign (proof and seal) to them of [their impending] destruction, but [a sure token and evidence] of your deliverance and salvation, and that from God." 
Philippians 1:28