In the dark of the night, Jesus prayed. He knew what was about to happen. He knew how hard it would be for himself and for those who followed him. And he knew that to follow the Father’s plan and purpose, he would have to allow His spirit to prevail when his flesh would scream for relief.
On the night Jesus was taken into custody, Judas, one of his close followers identified him to the mob with a kiss – that seemingly affectionate, friendly and trusted greeting. As his other followers recognized what was happening, Peter drew a sword in defense. Missing his target but not completely unproductive, he cut off the ear of one who had come with the horde.
Yet his actions were met with these words:
“Put your sword back in its place,” Jesus said to him,
“for all who draw the sword will die by the sword …”
Matthew 26:52 NIV
Interestingly, just before all of this happened, the gospel of Luke records that Jesus and his disciples observed the traditional Passover meal in an upper room. They had argued about who was the greatest among them, and Jesus had instructed them to have extra supplies and swords.
So wouldn’t it seem the natural course of action to draw the sword in defense? Just a short time beforehand Jesus told the disciples to be sure they had swords. Yet when it was drawn, he told Peter to put it away. What about self defense? In Ecclesiastes God’s Word tells us there is a time and a season for all things. Yet in His divine knowledge, Jesus knew this was not the time, nor the place for swords – perhaps they would be needed in the following days when the disciples would be entrusted with carrying the salvation message to the world after His resurrection.
And what does this mean for us? Do we carry a sword these days? What kind of sword do we carry? When and how do we wield it? When and how should we wield it? Perhaps these scriptures will be helpful:
Photo by Luis Quintero from Pexels
Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.
Proverbs 12:18 NIV
Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand
against the devil’s schemes …
Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit,
which is the word of God.
For the word of God is living and active.
Sharper than any double-edged sword,
it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow;
it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.
Hebrews 4:12 NIV
Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul.
Matthew 20:18a NIV
(fear God not man)
When the time comes that we are faced with battles, will we rightly recognize which sword we most need? In the battles of the spirit, will we allow the sword of God’s Word to cut the ropes that bind us and defend us against the onslaught of the enemy? Or will the sword of God’s Word cut us as we continue to choose to reach out against His instructions? Who will yield to God’s message?
Soul sharpening studies are available on Amazon.com.
Simply search: Tanja Dufrene and find these Warrior of the Word discipleship studies:
– the study of Barak & Jael –
Overcomers of Oppression
– the study of Judah & Tamar –
Escapees from Exile
– the study of David & Bathsheba –
Survivors of Seduction
– the study of Solomon & Bathsheba –
Recipients of Renown
– the study of Naomi & Ruth –
Beneficiaries of Benevolence
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