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Scripture: Matthew 26:49-54 (NLT) – “So Judas came straight to Jesus. ‘Greetings, Rabbi!’ he exclaimed and gave him a kiss. Jesus said, ‘My friend, go ahead and do what you have come for.’ Then the others grabbed Jesus and arrested him. But one of the men with Jesus pulled out his sword and struck the high priest’s slave, slashing off his ear. ‘Put away your sword,’ Jesus told him. ‘Those who use the sword will die by the sword. Don’t you realize that I could ask my Father for thousands of angels to protect us, and he would send them instantly? But if I did, how would the Scriptures be fulfilled that describe what must happen now?’” Message: The protector with the sword is Peter, and don’t think for a minute that he was aiming for the ear; he was striking out to kill. And don’t we strike out often? What is your sword? What is your first reaction when things go wrong in your life, or you encounter divisive people? Jesus says put your sword away, because just like in the scripture, he does not need your help, even if that is your natural instinct. And this has three words to remember: Practical: Haven’t we hurt each other enough? And if all we do is draw our sword, what kind of life is that? And we will frequently find someone with a bigger sword. Power: Remember who He is and trust Him always. It seems we are willing to trust Him for eternity, yet not on Tuesday afternoon. Plan: The sword is against God’s plan. Why do we fight against what has been ordained? And that includes “heavenly sent” people, those who we are in conflict with, yet who are sent to allow us to grow spiritually and demonstrate Christian love by speaking truth in love. That person is sent so that they can witness Christ’s character through us; enabling both of us to grow towards the one mind. Prayer: Jesus, there is no one like You, willing to die for me. You pursue me relentlessly because You love me and never give up. You have not left me, though I often leave You. Help me practice loving like You, without a sword in my hand, but with Your hope and joy, so that the world may be healed through Your power and in Your name for a bigger, and freer life. Amen. Jim Esch |
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