Matthew 26:52-54 "Put your sword back into its place. For all who take the sword will perish by the sword. Do you think that I cannot appeal to my Father, and he will at once send me more than twelve legions of angels? But how then should the Scriptures be fulfilled, that it must be so?"
Rarely, in the history of mankind, have we seen a superior force willingly allow itself to be routed without a fight. Those who would rule in this world must do so through superior power ... it has always been that way. Peter believed this to be the case in the Garden of Gethsemane.
Only John's gospel (18:10) names the brave soul was who drew a sword in defiance of the "great crowd" that had come to arrest Jesus. Hours before this incident, Peter is publicly humbled by his Lord as the one who would deny Him three times before daybreak. All the gospels mention that!
Peter's intent to prove his bravery and fidelity to Jesus revealed His lack of understanding of what Christians today hold so precious. Jesus HAD to die. His kingdom would not (and will not) advance through force or coercion God's plan is to expand His kingdom into all the world through humble service and death – first for the Savior and then those who would follow Him.
"Unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit." (John 12:24)
Written by guest blogger, Pastor Alec Millen
Thanks for stopping by . . .
pj
No comments:
Post a Comment