Luke 22: 49-53
49 When Jesus’ followers saw what was going to happen, they said, ‘Lord, should we strike with our swords?’ 50 And one of them struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his right ear. 51 But Jesus answered, ‘No more of this!’ And he touched the man’s ear and healed him. 52 Then Jesus said to the chief priests, the officers of the temple guard, and the elders, who had come for him, ‘Am I leading a rebellion, that you have come with swords and clubs? 53 Every day I was with you in the temple courts, and you did not lay a hand on me. But this is your hour – when darkness reigns.’
Look at the courage of Peter here. He has just vowed to go to prison and die for Jesus. As Jesus is being arrested, he draws his sword and cuts off the ear of one of the soldiers. Pretty courageous, especially when you think of all the soldiers surrounding him that could have easily ended his life right then and there.
Was Peter surprised by Jesus’ reaction? I’m sure Peter did not think this was in the plan that God had for Jesus. After all, Jesus was going to be the next king. But Jesus was spiritually prepared. He was ready to fulfill prophesy. Jesus then quickly heals the ear of the soldier demonstrating his own words “Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you” (Luke 6:27-28)
How prepared am I when I face crisis? Am I spiritually pre-pared? Do I react under my own strength or do I draw strength from Christ? How well do I discern the will of God in a situation? Lord, keep me spiritually ready to tackle any cri-sis that comes my way. Let my actions be according to your will.
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