Letting Go Of The Sword
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Friday: Fifth Week of Lent
John 18:1-14
Have you ever tried to offer help to someone but ended up just getting in the way—or worse—aggravating the situation?
I think we’ve all been there in one way or another. I find myself relating to Simon Peter in this reading. I may not wield a sword, but I am a “doer.” When I see something struggling, I want to step in and help. Although that can often be a very positive thing, I have found that in following Jesus it can become problematic.
How many times have I tried to keep something afloat because I saw the tides of change as a threat? Instead of recognizing an opportunity to hear from God and open myself up to the work of the Spirit, I try to control the course—a course planned by Someone far wiser than I.
I think Simon Peter is navigating a similar situation in this passage. How could he possibly stand by and watch his Lord and Savior be captured and carried off to death? Of course he must fight it! Everything within him says so. But something stops him in his tracks. Jesus says, “Put your sword away! Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?” Peter! Let go. This is all a part of the plan. In contrast to Peter’s wavering faith and limited understanding, Jesus calmly and confidently steps into the will of God even though what lies ahead is terrifying.
As you read this passage, can you think of a situation where God is calling you to wait and let Him work? Instead of jumping in with your sword in hand, what is He trying to teach you in the wait, the change, or in the face of something scary?
Jenny Toews is Volunteer at Neighbourhood Church in Nanaimo, BC. [/cs_text][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/4″ style=”padding: 0px;”][x_button size=”regular” block=”true” circle=”false” icon_only=”false” href=”http://mbseminary.ca/believe” title=”Believe” target=”blank” info=”none” info_place=”top” info_trigger=”hover” info_content=””]Believe
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