Doing Our Thing! (part 5 of 6)

As those sent by the chief priests and elders of the people were beginning to do “their thing”, the next player in the events of our text jumped into action to do “his thing”. Peter loved His Lord. He had previously stated an unwavering devotion to Him. ( Matthew 26:33) Here Peter was ready to demonstrate it as he reacted to the situation at hand.

We read…
“And behold, one of those [PETER ( John 18:10)] who were with Jesus stretched out his hand and DREW HIS SWORD and struck the servant of the high priest and cut off his ear.” ( Matthew 26:45-51 ESV)

Though Matthew did not name Peter, John did ( John 18:10), even naming the servant of the high priest. I wish we had some insight into what became of Malchus’ life? Jesus touched his ear and healed it ( Luke 22:51) and I wonder if Jesus restored a perfect ear or if perhaps there remained a scar to remind Malchus of this merciful act even as Jesus was being arrested. But getting back to our focus on Peter, here he was doing “his thing”, being his impetuous self. Perhaps we love Peter so much because we can relate to how he sometimes acted first and thought later. Nevertheless, here he was ready to fight, though apparently a better fisherman than a swordsman.

Maybe what we should learn from “Peter’s thing” on this occasion is how we need to be so careful of just reacting to situations. We can all probably think of more times than we wish to recount when we have reacted only to soon realize it wasn’t the smart thing to do. We need to be ACTIVE and even PROACTIVE, but very cautious about being reactive. Though we may be motivated by a good heart (as I believe Peter was), it is still far too easy to launch ourselves into doing the wrong thing. When Jesus told Peter to put his sword away, He stated that those “who take the sword will perish by the sword.” ( Matthew 26:52 ESV) This was not the way Jesus’ kingdom would be established or advanced.

We also need to exercise caution in being on the defensive too quickly when in dialogue with others. Certainly we should stand firm in the truth, but if we’re too quick to react when others use terminology that may not be necessarily Biblical, a little patience in listening might clarify things and lead us into more beneficial discussion with them. Let us not be quick to use the “sword of the Spirit” (God’s Word, Ephesians 6:17) to slice and dice, but rather to gently cut away the false notions from the truth by directing the focus to that which God has clearly revealed through the Scriptures. Remembering how long it has taken us to see some things more clearly ourselves should lead us to being kind and patient with others. For those who will allow it, God’s Word will accomplish His purpose and succeed in that for which He has sent it. ( Isaiah 55:11) May we be ACTIVE in taking up the “sword of the Spirit”, living by it, and patiently sharing its truth with others.

Have a great day ADVANCING THE KINGDOM WITH THE RIGHT SWORD!
Carl

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