Daily Scripture
Then the men stepped forward, seized Jesus and arrested him. 51 With that, one of Jesus’ companions reached for his sword, drew it out and struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear.
52 “Put your sword back in its place,” Jesus said to him, “for all who draw the sword will die by the sword. 53 Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels? 54 But how then would the Scriptures be fulfilled that say it must happen in this way?”
Daily Devotional
We have "very efficiently pared the claws of the Lion of Judah, "making him "a fitting household pet for pale curates and pious old ladies." -D Sayers
Today, the prayer is Jesus (God) telling his disciple (Peter) to put his sword away. In a way, Peter received a response in prayer that he wasn't expecting, and Peter had to be reminded of how incredibly powerful Jesus was. Jesus at once could have summoned legions upon legions of angels to completely destroy the fabrics of the universe, but instead he remained calm and collected from the moment he was arrested until he breathed his last.
The Lion of Judah was no house cat.
When we pray, do we forget the power of the one we're praying to? Do we forget the might of the his strength and decision, and how capable he is of altering the the life we live? God is in control of the things he wants to be in control of.
"Our God is in heaven; he does whatever pleases him." -Psalm 115:3
I would rather serve a God who does whatever he wants at any time and in any place, who then decides to love me and die for me, than serve a God who was defeated by humans and by death. No, the Lion of Judah defeated death, and he abolished sin's slavery in the lives of those who love him.
When Peter drew his sword, he likely thought that he was doing the right thing, that he was helping Jesus. Sometimes in our own lives, we can try to take the reigns of a high-stake situation, convincing ourselves that God "needs help" in so many words. God doesn't need your help ever. When we are given responsibility in him, it's because he has graciously privileged us to take part in his great plan of salvation for all nations. Let's remember the God we serve and the power at his disposal.
Daily Challenge
Pray about all the things God is in control of, and re-surrender your life to him, especially in the areas you tend to be stressed or anxious about. Surrender to him and take comfort knowing that the King of Kings, Lord of Lords, Lion of Judah, has everything taken care of, and has already won the war.
