Put Your Sword Away…

10 Then Simon Peter, who had a sword, drew it, struck the high priest’s slave, and cut off his right ear. (The slave’s name was Malchus.)  11 At that, Jesus said to Peter, “Sheathe your sword! Am I not to drink the cup the Father has given Me? ”  (John 18:10-11 HCSB)

I wonder how many times in my life I’ve tried to help God do His job only to discover that my actions/attitudes actually hindered what He was doing? I don’t think there is any way I could estimate the number of times it has happened.

Several years ago, a parent told me about a wayward young adult in the family. After much prayer and human effort to “straighten out” the youth, the Lord spoke to the parent about his constant involvement and enablement. He told me, “The Lord spoke to my heart and said, “Each time I get your child to the place where he is ready to call out to me, you step in and fix his dilemma. Step back, release him to me, and let me work in his life. Trust your child to me!””

Peter was not unlike many of us. His world was spinning out of control and no matter how many times Jesus had told him of His impending death, he could not accept it. Human reflex often kicks in even when we know what to expect.

Every year, I go to the eye doctor to have my eyes examined. One of the tests involves a burst of air on the open eyeball. No matter how many times the doctor warns me that the burst is coming, my reflexes kick in, I jump, wince, and feel foolish for letting it catch me off guard. I get surprised no matter how hard I concentrate and try to time my response to perfectly correspond to the burst.

Jesus plan was not deterred by Peter’s actions. He simply fixed the setback by replacing Malchus’s ear, and turned himself over to those who had come for him. His plan continued undaunted.

Today, I want to encourage you to cooperate with God. His will has been revealed in Scripture, and when followed will produce the positive results He intends. So, put your sword away…

PRAYER: I trust You Lord. With Your help I will keep my sword in its sheath and work with Your plan even when I may not understand it entirely. Amen.