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Overreaction
How many times in your life have you over-reacted? How many times have you taken matters into your own hands? How many times have you made a decision without praying about it or seeking GOD’s counsel? I do not know about you, but I don’t think I could count the number of times I have failed at these questions.
The Bible teaches us to “Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and…” Matthew 6:33. The problem for me is I jump right to the “and” forgetting what is truly important. The beautiful thing is JESUS is always there to help, correct, guide, forgive and love me no matter how many times I fail. He does the same for all of us and this is a perfect example.
We learn from The Gospel of John (18:10) that the man who cut off the servant’s ear was Peter. I wonder how he felt. Was he angry? Surprised? Did he feel defensive? Betrayed? How would you have felt if you were him? Have you ever felt that way about your faith?
We also learn from the Gospel of John (18:10) the servant’s name was Malchus. I think it is important that he has a name! How do you think he felt as they approached the olive grove? What about when he saw our Savior, face to face. I think I know that he was frightened when Peter drew and struck him with his sword. How did he feel after JESUS touched him? What about when he realized he was healed?
The Bible says “a detachment of soldiers…..carrying torches, lanterns and weapons” (John 18:3) came for JESUS. Mark describes them as a “crowd armed with swords and clubs” (Mark 14:43). They come ready for a battle, ready for blood. Those who arrest JESUS represent those who remain defiant against Him. Despite His grace and gentleness, they react with hostility to the very One who came to bring them life!
The arrest is marked not only by hostility, but also by cowardice and hypocrisy. They could have arrested Him during the day but chose to do it in the dark of night. What they would not do in public, they gladly do in a more private setting. They fear JESUS and choose to work behind the scenes. Isn’t it interesting how sin loves to work in secret? How Satan is associated with darkness?
Isn’t it more interesting how CHRIST chooses light and life? The healed servant pictures the opportunity that exists to experience GOD’s grace. Here is a man who rejects JESUS and participates in the arrest leading to His death. Yet the enemy is not beyond JESUS’ healing touch! What an awesome example to us!
What is truly amazing is, even though there are so many distractions (the soldiers, the Pharisees, the cross…..), He still finds time to shepherd both Peter and Malchus in these versus. Everything He does has a purpose!
Who have you hurt? How can JESUS help you repair that relationship? JESUS teaches us that “Everything is possible for him who believes” (Mark 9:23). Nothing is too difficult for GOD!!! We cannot have everything we pray for, but with faith (by seeking FIRST His Kingdom), we can have everything we need to serve and glorify Him.
Thank you for sharing this, sweet husband, I am so proud of you! It is comforting to know that we are ALWAYS given second chances when we mess up….no matter what that looks like.
Love you!
Edward…um…Ed…um, I mean Eddie…thanks for this my friend. You packed in a great deal to think about. Like you, I often react by quickly jumping in to “fix” whatever is going on or trying to demonstrate MYoh so “wise” thoughts on a given situation. I’m trying to be more prayerful…which is the only real way I can walk in His life and His light. But I still fail quite a bit….and for that I am incredibly thankful for God’s forgiveness and grace. Thanks again. I count it an incredible blessing that God brought you and your family to CCC…and an even greater blessing that each of you are dear, genuine friends to me and all 3 of my lovely ladies.
Ed,
A mile wide and a mile deep. This really hits home for me as I am someone whose fault is to respond quickly in certain situations and then look back and think of the ways I should have responded that would have been so much more effective. I always fail to notice Jesus teaching Peter in this situation until it is pointed out and then I see how Jesus uses every opportunity to be our example instead of just reacting. Thanks brother for being my brother.
yeah… busted. I’m always defending, always taking matters into my own hands. Slow to pray, but quick to act. Very, very human. I’m glad Jesus is there to step in, correct me… and heal.
thanks Eddie.