These verses describe the arrest of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane where Judas led the soldiers to find Jesus. These men came in a large group with torches and lanterns not knowing that the “Light of the World” was the only illumination they needed.
There is so much to look at in the passage, but it is Simon-Peter that strikes a chord with me. A disciple and friend of God, tries to protect Jesus by taking a sword to a slave of the high priest’s ear. Can’t you just imagine Simon Peter pouncing with a quick flick of the wrist as the man’s ear falls to the ground? He has acted and reacted without a thought. Well, perhaps it was his thought that he should protect Jesus and take things into his own hands. His plan may have been to defend Jesus but God had a greater plan for Jesus and all of us, called salvation. In those moments Simon Peter was not in sync with God’s will, but thankfully Jesus’ obedience and humility allowed the great plan to play out. Jesus had spent the time earlier praying and accepting “His cup”. He already knew God’s will.
Recently, Pastor Danny preached and said “God laughs when we make or tell Him our own plans”. I laughed out loud, but this comment hit a nerve with me. I am a total planner, and if you looked at my calendar you would see so many different highlighted colors denoting the monthly agenda of our household. Sometimes we become so programmed with life we forget why we were placed on this Earth in the first place, to worship and serve Him. We create our own agendas (and sometimes those of our children) and we plunge full steam ahead without consulting God’s will for our life. He doesn’t want to steal our joy or the fun things in life from us. He just wants us to be in sync with Him.
I encourage you to be attentive and reflective for God’s will on your life this Lenten season. Draw near and know the gift of each day is an unrepeatable gift. Take time to be thankful and create a trusting attitude that seeks God’s perspective. Relax in Him and He will make you strong and prepared. Your race may not always be easy or fun, but He will be there to see you through. Jesus is our greatest example. He shows us how to be still and draw near even when the path is treacherous. His friend denied Him, he was humiliated, flogged, unaccepted, and even put to death on a cross. He did not waiver in his duty or path because He was strong in faith, his time spent with God had strengthened Him for the path God had planned for Him. So draw near and get strong, God has amazing things planned for you. If you act like a Simon Peter you just might miss out!
Written by Cassie Plaster
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