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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