A fun little musing on something we can’t know, doesn’t really matter, but might be somewhat useful.

We are curious critters. Sometimes that’s great, and sometimes it is a waste of time. And this is no less true for those of us who read and study and labor to understand the Scriptures. Especially when we spend too much time wondering about questions the Bible never sees fit to give us answers to.

What DID Jesus write on the ground in John 8 when the woman caught in adultery was brought to him?

What did Lazarus see or experience during his time in the grave?

What were the things Paul said he heard when he was caught up into paradise which “cannot be told, which man may not utter”?

And of course the main point we need to fix on is that if such things were necessary for us to know, no doubt our gracious Heavenly Father would have recorded them for us. He didn’t. So while we might find our curiosity a bit too piqued over such matters, we can confidently lay them aside until all will be revealed later.

But let me toss one more out to you. In the process, perhaps I might suggest a way we can make good use even of such nagging inquiries. The text that grabbed my thoughts today was Revelation 21:14 “And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and on them were the twelve names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.”

John is seeing this extraordinary vision of the New Jerusalem coming down out of heaven. In the process, he notes that at the 12 gates of the city, he saw inscribed the names of the 12 tribes of Israel. Then, he sees the 12 foundation stones on which were inscribed, the names of the 12 apostles of the Lamb. The inscriptions actually recorded 12 names, not just a reference to the 12.

So here’s the question: Was Judas’ name found on one of the stones? Or was his name perhaps replaced by Matthias as elected to take his place in Acts 1? Or was it perhaps Paul – as one “untimely born” (1 Cor. 15:8)?

Of the commentators who decide to weigh in on the question, most make no guess as to who it is, but tend to assert that it cannot be Judas for sure.

Here’s the fun part. But why not Judas? Why can’t Judas’ name be there?

The argument against his inclusion is obvious – he betrayed Jesus! He was an evil man! A satanically inspired traitor! We won’t have it.

OK, so think with me for a moment.

What of the 12 Tribes? Which of those stand out for their fidelity to God and his covenant? Who can even point to the piety of the 12 men from which the tribes derive their names? Were they good and upright and faithful? Didn’t the majority of the tribes end up irretrievably decimated by the Assyrians? And the other 2 – sent off into the Babylonian captivity. Were they some sterling examples?

I think not.

And what of the other apostles?

Impetuous, thrice-Christ-denying Peter. Doubting Thomas. The raging sons of thunder. Simon the Zealot? Yes, all but Judas recovered to serve their King magnificently. But even then, Peter’s little dust up in Antioch wasn’t exactly a shining moment.

Now am I suggesting that the others deserved this honor in a way Judas did not?

No.

What I am suggesting is that God makes trophies even out of his enemies. That by his grace and power, he uses even the most heinous and grotesque and wicked acts of men, to serve his great plans and purposes in Christ.

That in no wise justifies or excuses them, nor their actions in any way, shape or form. But what it does signal, is that in his sovereign glory, he could use the most singularly wicked man in all of history, to accomplish his pure, holy and wondrous ends in redemption. So much so, that he can demonstrate his holy supremacy by not having to sweep Judas under the rug – but permanently use him to memorialize his wonder, power and glory – his triumph over all.

Judas was there at the beginning. He was a part of the founding apostolic college. He was as much chosen as the others. He was sent out like the others. Jesus used him as much as the others. He was one of “the twelve.” And Christ is as glorified in his triumph over Judas’ wicked machinations as he is in triumphing over all sin and wickedness. And Judas’ name there, lets none of us forget how great Christ’s glory truly is, over all sin and darkness – even when manifested in its highest degree.

Is Judas’ name there? I don’t know. No one does. But if it is, what an eternal testimony to overcoming power of Christ in redeeming us. His kingdom is founded on his triumph over sin.

Glory!