Jesus’ twelve Disciples are often thought to be “giants” in the Faith. And they really did become that, most all of them dying (as martyrs) for their Saviour, for our dear Lord.

Yet they at times appear to be rather shallow in their spiritual lives! (Truth be told, we all are guilty!)

Of course, one of the Disciples was a traitor, not even born again, not even saved! I speak of Judas, once called a “devil.” Jesus said this! (John 6:70 … “Jesus answered them, Have not I chosen you twelve, and one of you is a devil?”)

In fact, it’s in connection with this Judas that the words of our Lesson’s title are used …

Matthew 26:21-24 … “And as they did eat (the Lord’s Supper), Jesus said, Verily I say unto you, that one of you shall betray me. And they were exceeding sorrowful, and began every one of them to say unto him, Lord, is it I? And he answered and said, He that dippeth his hand with me in the dish, the same shall betray me. The Son of man goeth as it is written of him: but woe unto that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! it had been good for that man if he had not been born.”

These men have followed the Lord for years now! Seen His miracles, heard His sermons! Enjoyed meals with Him, slept near His side!

And they here are still DOUBTING their loyalty to His Name, His Cause, His Person!

Lord, is it I?

Am I the betrayer?

Am I that disloyal?

(I do not want to be too critical here. We are all just human flesh. And the flesh is weak.)

But surely by now we Christians have grown to the place we can say: “With God’s Help, I will not deny my Lord!”

I am talking about the ASSURANCE of our salvation that we are “in Christ Jesus!” (2 Corinthians 5:17)

Never trust yourself.

Never brag on what you will do.

But 1st John 5:13 is certainly in the Book! (Though I realize that the Disciples did not have that verse.)

Here it is for us … “These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; THAT YE MAY KNOW that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.”

Such Holy Spirit given “assurance” will not ask in a time of crisis … “Is it I?”

Do you KNOW today if you are saved?

Do you KNOW today (best as possible) that you will stand for Jesus when the time comes?

Here’s a much better “I” statement.

Not “Is it I?”

But like Isaiah the Prophet …

Isaiah 6:8 … “Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me.“

Get it?

“HERE AM I, SEND ME!”

That’s the humble yet obedient and loyal “I” of assurance!

Not “Is it I?”

But … “HERE AM I!”

Grant it, Lord, we pray.

— Dr. Mike Bagwell

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