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Listen while you read: "In The Cross Of Christ I Glory"1
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John 18:11a – Jesus commanded Peter, "Put your sword away!" (NIV)
I've been thinking about Peter's experience that night in the Garden of Gethsemane when Jesus was betrayed. Suddenly, a crowd of well-armed military and religious authorities appears. Who wouldn't be intimidated by that formidable display of might and power! Peter impulsively swings his sword; Jesus makes him put it away — wisely. Peter's swing is pathetic. He misses the man's head and slices off an ear. Jesus quickly restores it, preventing needless retaliation.
What about our own swords, those weapons that we deploy when we feel a challenge to our cause, whatever that may be? I don't mean literal weapons, but literary weapons: our words. We might deploy words which are combative or vindictive, or we might use wise and persuasive words. Our words may quote genuine authorities, or, at least, they may reinforce our position. Yet, our verbal efforts may be as useless as Peter's pathetic sword. They do little more than cut off ears, and our words go unheard. The dividing walls remain and are possibly reinforced.
Isn't that what we're witnessing in our increasingly polarized society? Divisiveness pervades our lives; we're constantly urged to take sides. The endless verbal combatting merely leaves a trail of collateral damage which neither sword nor word can restore.
On that night of betrayal, Jesus deployed neither, yet He had a remarkable influence on His captors:
John 18:6 – When Jesus said, "I am he," they drew back and fell to the ground. (NIV)
Imagine the commotion! Yet, to me, Jesus' healing miracle was more remarkable, even if it were barely noticed. By restoring the severed ear of the high priest's servant, Jesus reversed the damage inflicted by His own follower! Jesus didn't take sides; He was good to His enemy.
Romans 12:21 – Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. (NIV)
Peter's sword failed to do good! He was overcome with fear, as were all of the disciples.
I recognize some of that "Peter" in me. Perhaps, you see some in yourself, too. Thankfully, as for Peter, trials and temptations help us to accept the futility of our pathetic swords and the wisdom of Christ's command. We can hear Him saying, "My child, put down your sword. My cause is not advanced through human victories, but through a demonstration of the Spirit's power."
Zechariah 4:6b – "Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit," says the Lord Almighty. (NIV)
The Spirit empowered Jesus to heal the ear. How amazing! What a surprise for that man who came expecting confrontation with a dissonant rebel. Perhaps that night, his spiritual ears began to open. I wonder if fifty days later, at Pentecost, he encountered Jesus again — as the exalted One Who forgives sin. I wonder if he encountered Peter again, wielding a different sword — not his pathetic sword, but God's: the sword of the Spirit.
God's Spirit: He is our only hope!
Prayer: Lord, train us to appreciate opposition as Your providential means of maturing our trust in You. Teach us to wait on Your Spirit. Prepare us to be instruments of Your forgiveness through Christ — to demolish dividing walls and heal wounds, including those inflicted through our own pathetic swords. Amen.
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About the author:
Diane Eaton <dianeeaton6@gmail.com>
Paisley, Ontario, Canada
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Well said, Diane.
Peter came equipped to defend his Master, Jesus. How do we defend Jesus?
Thank you, Diane, for sharing this encouraging devotional with us.
Blessings.
Thank you, Diane. I’ve been guilty of waving that sword around! Lord, help us all to depend on Your power.
Well said, Diane. Sometimes I fail to wait on God and try to fight evil with, as you say, our pathetic swords. Thanks for delivering God’s word and your thoughts. A Blessing!
Great post, Diane. Really helps one reflect on the important lessons Jesus was teaching us in the Garden of Gethsemane.
Thanks and Happy Easter!
Dear Diane,
“… we’re constantly urged to take sides …” is an observation in your devotional that arrested my attention.
Merci for the morning read.
HI Diane:
Thank you very much for reminding me God’s truth as you stated:
God’s Spirit: He is our only hope!
Amen and Amen.
Diane, your words speak volumes today! Time to sheath our “pathetic swords” and instead react by loving our enemies and do good to those who hate us. It is part of that narrow way Jesus showed us to walk.
Thank you for reminding me today.
Thanks, Diane, for another of your very special and explanatory devotionals. Yes, there is true power in God’s Spirit and shown through miraculous happenings in our lives. We sure see this when we pray for someone in dire health conditions and there is a great turnaround of their condition and they are restored to good health. Blessings for these meaningful writings you submit.
Good morning, Diane.
Thank you for your needed words today. I’ve often come through Paisley on my way to visit friends
I’m going to write the message… good overcomes evil, a kind word turns away wrath… and carry it with me in my purse.
May Good continue to bless you and guide you as your write these devotionals.
Happy Easter! He is Risen Hallelujah.
Dear Diane,
Thank you again for your beautiful devotional. I guessed that it was your writing again, or better yet, God’s writing.
One time I wrote a poem, but I always give God the credit for writing it.
I would never have thought of the words without His help.
Amazing Grace. What a great example He was and is to each of us.
Wishing you God’s blessing and unfailing love for your Easter celebration and always.
Good morning, Diane,
From the title, I had no idea where you were going to take your devotional. I do totally agree with your point. My granddaughter just the other day pointed out to me that if we treated everyone with kindness what a nicer world we would live in. She heard someone say that they treated everyone with kindness and she thought that was a good idea. She knew it would be difficult to do this because of being human but it stuck in her mind.
Your devotional is on the same idea. Thanks for sharing your thoughts, always in your own unique style. Happy Easter. Blessings.
Very timely word, and applicable to my life. I hadn’t considered this about Peter’s sword before! I definitely need to put down my sword and wait for His power to move. Thanks for your insight.