February 10
Matthew 26:47-68
The ends justify the means. This common philosophical idea states that if we get the intended outcome we want, then anything we do can be rationalized and justified. We find that Jesus has a very different understanding. Peter wanted to protect Jesus. How could he let his master be arrested? How could he allow all they accomplished to be torn apart? Surely, this could not be God’s plan. He was willing to use violence to get what he wanted. We know it was Peter who hacked off the high priest’s servant’s ear from John 18. An ear is nothing, if it means keeping Jesus alive!
Yet, Peter seems a lot like me. He attempted to use his own strengths (and weaknesses) to obtain his own goals. Pursuing our plans in our ways is futile, while we need to rely on God’s strength to accomplish His will. Peter and his sword did not understand Christ had to die to gain the ultimate victory. Thankfully we do not follow Peter, but we follow Christ. He not only knew his Father’s will but demonstrated perfect obedience. His kingdom will not advance with our plans. No amount of crusading, swords, guns, or scheming will glorify God. Faith and obedience will.
Father, thank you for using me despite my flesh. Help me to rely on your strength and live out of faith and obedience. Amen.
In what ways do you try to accomplish things on your own? How can you better accomplish God's will by faith and obedience?
The ends justify the means. This common philosophical idea states that if we get the intended outcome we want, then anything we do can be rationalized and justified. We find that Jesus has a very different understanding. Peter wanted to protect Jesus. How could he let his master be arrested? How could he allow all they accomplished to be torn apart? Surely, this could not be God’s plan. He was willing to use violence to get what he wanted. We know it was Peter who hacked off the high priest’s servant’s ear from John 18. An ear is nothing, if it means keeping Jesus alive!
Yet, Peter seems a lot like me. He attempted to use his own strengths (and weaknesses) to obtain his own goals. Pursuing our plans in our ways is futile, while we need to rely on God’s strength to accomplish His will. Peter and his sword did not understand Christ had to die to gain the ultimate victory. Thankfully we do not follow Peter, but we follow Christ. He not only knew his Father’s will but demonstrated perfect obedience. His kingdom will not advance with our plans. No amount of crusading, swords, guns, or scheming will glorify God. Faith and obedience will.
Father, thank you for using me despite my flesh. Help me to rely on your strength and live out of faith and obedience. Amen.
In what ways do you try to accomplish things on your own? How can you better accomplish God's will by faith and obedience?
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My faith journey has been long. Even when I didn't realize how much I stepped away, He had me and yet, still today, I make decisions on my own. I was talking to a pastor, Tony, from the church I grew up in and he reminded me to take Jesus everywhere. I'm a bit behind reading these daily devotions, so I'm reading this one after Jim's sermon of the seeds hitting various earths and how the soil directly relates to the harvest.
nPastor Tony says every morning, he doesn't get up until he connects to God, in whatever way that He may come to him. Each day only starts for Him.
nI'm becoming more and more intentional in my actions on behalf of Him and am truly listening for his guidance. Most of the time, I have questions of "why" and "how" but am growing my faith to just know the "what" and stepping forward.
nWaking up an taking time to focus on Him can be challenging as a single mom and a relentless alarm clock. But maybe it's not meant to go against the grain. Tomorrow, instead of finding time on my own to connect to Him, I'll teach my kids to be a part of it with me and let's all spend time finding our purpose for the day. This usually happens at night as a reflection in prayer, but we need Him ALL day and in every way no matter where we are. Only then, will we be open to his guidance in all areas.