Photo Credit: Casey Muir-Taylor via Compfight“Then Simon Peter, having a sword, drew it and struck the high priest’s servant and cut off his right ear. (The servant’s name was Malchus.)11 So Jesus said to Peter, “Put your sword into its sheath; shall I not drink the cup that the Father has given me?”
12 So the band of soldiers and their captain and the officers of the Jews arrested Jesus and bound him.” – Jn 18
Drop into the scene for a moment. Pretend you are a disciple of Jesus. Things are getting weird. Jesus just talked abuout his body and blood, passing around bread and wine. He then leads you out to a late night prayer time. Soldiers show up and things go from weird to scary. One of your posse decides to pick a fight and slices off an ear. And what do you do? Apparently you (and the rest of the disciples) stand there. Not this boy. I’m running for the hills. Why would I stick around when danger comes? Why stick around when a guy stirs up a hornets nest? What gave these guys courage in the middle of danger? The answer is actually found a few verses earlier:
“Then Jesus, knowing all that would happen to him, came forward and said to them ,”Whom do you seek?” They answered him, “Jesus of Nazareth.” Jesus said to them,”I am he.” Judas, who betrayed him, was standing with them. When Jesus said to them, “I am he,” they drew back and fell to the ground.” – Jn 18:4-6
The disciples were protected and shielded because Christ was among them. The presence of the Lord changes everything. It causes us to pull swords, stand our ground, and be fearless. Trouble may come. Arrests may be made. Bad news may be brought. Life may seem to come apart. But the presence of God changes everything.
What it coming after you right now? What solders are staring you down? You could cut and run. Or you could stand on the realization that if you are with God, he is with you.
You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the oen who is in the world. – 1 Jn 4:4
His presence changes everything.
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