March 14, 2005
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Interesting teaching on Matthew 26, one that I hadn’t considered before but is oh so true sadly to say.
Matt 26:51-54
The last miracle Jesus performed was healing the ear cut off by Peter. Peter was defending Jesus, and took out his sword, chopping of the guard’s ear. Jesus healed the ear.
A few interesting points.
The sword is another name for the Word of God. How often do we as disciples of Christ pull out the Word of God and instead of it being a gift of love, it becomes a weapon in our hands that hurts others. We pull out verses from the sheath, and sling them at each other, defending our points of view.
When Jesus taught, the sword of his Word was of joy, spirit and life, people loved to listen to Him and were attracted by His teachings. Sometimes we use the Word to get our point across, and that is not always freeing to the receiver.
Also, we do not need to defend Jesus. He told Peter that he could have 12 legions at his calling (72,000 angels) and we know that one angel was enough to destroy 185,000 of Nebucadnezar’s soldiers.
Jesus said, “Blessed are the Merciful, for they shall obtain mercy” we need to give mercy and love to each other. Let God do the judging. Jesus said, that all how take the sword will perish by the sword, Matt 26:52. If we are using the Word of God, we also have to use it in the Spirit that God meant, the Spirit of love.
I had never thought of the Sword incident in the Garden of Gethesemene from this point of view, and it sure makes a lot of sense to me. I know I have been hurt by some of those who meant so well, but instead of helping me with God’s Word to free me from bondage, they put condemnation on me, ending up hurting and pushing me away from Christ. This was before I got saved, when people would push tons of scriptures at me, figuring that I would be battered down by the vast number of words they used.
I am learning (and I am still guilty of verbosity) that a well placed Word will do a lot more than hundreds of scriptures for most people. Now some will also respond to hundred’s of scriptures, so I guess we really have to be receptive to those we are speaking to.
Fortunately, I met Pastor Don, and his love and kindness, his well placed words that helped me sort out issues, showed me more of the Love of God and Christ, and allowed me to accept Christ into my life. I pray, that as I come across people, that, instead of turning them off, I pull them towards the Love of Christ.
Heather
Comments (18)
Hey, thanks for your prayers. Work can be rough at times, but I’m doing okay. A friend recently encouraged me to remember that this is not about me, it’s about God’s work through me. That helped. I’m trying to think/pray that way now. This friend also reminded me I need to be getting a good balance between fellowship with my solid Christian girlfriends, and work. Also something I’m trying to put into practice more firmly. So, it’s good. Thanks for asking. I appreciate it… and your prayers
I have noticed that I’m very different depending on who I’m speaking with. Not phony in any way. Always sincere. Just different. It’s like I let the other person lead the conversation, subconsciously pick up their cues and respond accordingly. I think you, yourself, being that we frequent some of the same sites, have seen the difference. Unfortunatlely, there are times when good intentions triumph over wisdom, and someone’s ear ends up coming off.
Oh Heather, this is so true. I have been guilty of using scripture to back up my point, I’m sure. Thank you for this awesome post. God bless you!!
Love Lisa
Gosh, I think we all use scripture to back up our points and it is a good thing we do for then we are really representing the Word of God. But at times scripture can be used to hurt people as well.
Perhaps an example from my life. I was at one point made to feel that because I had doubts and fears regarding God and anger at God that somehow that was so sinful that I was an awful person for having these fears, feelings and hurts. Almost as if, because I was saved, all should have been resolved the moment I said the sinner’s prayer. So I spent a lot of time in condemnation.
Fortunately, after long talks with Pastor Don and some real revelation from God, I realized that this was not the case. That we are new creatures in Christ, spirit wise, but that our souls, minds and bodies will at times take time to catch up. That God accepts us as we are, sin and all the garbage, and then works to clean us up at the pace that is right for us.
I remember once apologizing to God for the rage that I had when I first started seeking Him, and I would sometimes see red over what was an innoculous statement about God’s love. And I got the impression that God said, “That is all right because at least you were talking to me, something you never did for 40 years.” Now, if I had the same rage today I would be way out of line because I have grown away from that point in my walk, but when I first became saved, God was able to deal with this until some issues got sorted out.
I guess it is like a child, a baby might grab at something and it is tolerated because they are a baby, but as they grow, the same behavior would not be acceptable. God will help to grow us, but he will not place an undo burden on us. He will be as gentle as Christ was with the children.
I know I am also guilty of thinking that, because something worked so well in my life, that the same thing will work in another person’s life. Not true always. We all grow and change at different levels, have different backgrounds and lots of influences that impacted our lives. I think it is awesome that God has a program tailor made for each of us taking all into account.
Now, the above sounds so wonderful, but the truth be told, I still have moments of aching, haunting memories, disappointment in God. I do not always grow gracefully, wrestle with God over issues, try to take things into my own hands, struggle with releasing control to God, wonder what God wants with me and if I am a mistake in His kingdom. My walk is not smooth at all, but I also know that if God could reach someone that people gave up on as unreachable, He can reach anyone. I may have tons of miles to go and grow, but I have also come a long, long way in the two years that I have been saved. God is so good that way.
Heather
somewhat shows the truth of the old adage : “preach the gospel, and if necessary use words”. we can either build up or tear down those we seek to reach simply by the wise or foolish choices we make.
can’t say i’ve ever heard that explanation of the healing of the servant’s ear, but it does make sense. i’d seen it as an act of compassion on Jesus’ part for an impulsive action on Peter’s part.
thank you for your posts, i’m learning quite a bit from them.
thank you for posting your thoughts on this passage. i found it has given me a new perspective to think about.
WOW!!! That is an awesome point!! You know, people condemn themselves, they don’t need anyone else doing it to them, especially not someone who’s supposed to be showing them the love of the Lord. It’s through relationships that we are able to lead people to the Lord and part of a relationship is listening to their hurts… It’s when we’ve listened to them, that they might listen to us…
That was a very interesting blog and comment also. I have been wondering if I am the only one who can be up one day and then down the next with doubts or whatever…
That is all so true. I think most of us have been guilty of it–I know I have.
Circumstances are just that–ways to keep us focused on them instead of on Jesus. The more we focus on them, the less we are focused on Him.
“Also, we do not need to defend Jesus.”
(((hugs)))
Good post.
xo
Be encouraged, Heather, you are not where you started and yet not where you will finish! To God alone be the glory!! He will complete His work as He writes His Word in your heart. If He can save and deliver and heal and bring to pass miracle after miracle in a sinner such as I, then I KNOW He can accomplish anything!! My life is a testimony of grace and of His miraculous, restorative, healing power!! (And yes, I am attempting to write a book
) Blessings to your hungry heart, He is drawing you closer all the time!!
Very good post indeed.
Valid point for sure. All valuable responses. Focusing on the promotion of thoughtfulness, teach-ability, accuracy and a biblically balanced perspective . . .
Hebrews 4:12
For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.
PTL, God was able to meet your needs by providing Pastor Don. Others have different needs, God uses different approaches. All are within His perfect plan. He prepares and uses some one way and others another. Who are we to judge who is being the more loving if God is using them to serve His purposes? Some plant, some water, some cultivate the soil, others harvest - weeding is also a necessity to produce healthy growth and abundant fruit.
2 Timothy 4:2-5
Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage–with great patience and careful instruction. 3For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. 4They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. 5But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.
You have already shown yourself to be teachable and thoughtful. Those qualities will lead you to being accurate and balanced. God can and will use you mightily as He develops you spiritually. Just keep putting one foot in front of the other in obedience to what you know. See my site for a thorough investigation of “sword” if interested.
((HUGE HUGS))
Aww… thank you.
xo
This is another excellent post! I just stopped in because I was loking at your 1st post on my sight awhile back. I just saw this movie that was really good. I thought it would be boring but…wow!
)with such a wonderful, & needed message about how God can allow hurtful, & devastating things to good people. It’s called ‘Love Comes Softly’ (based on a novel by a Janette Oke I think?)
A family movie (or for u & hubby…
Let me know whatcha think if u see it! love, Ev
I really like what you had to say about that. I just noticed that you left a comment on my site back in January. I normally have trouble sleeping do to flashbacks and bad dreams. I often spend the night praying I will be okay until morning and not do anything stupid. Since January, I have been put on different medication and I feel much calmer and less anxious. My sleep is back to my normal 4 hours a night and I can concentrate during the day now without getting too spacey. Religion, particularly Christianity is a sore point for me. I do not deny the existence of Jesus and I know I should not base my beliefs about him on how Christians have treated me. For now, I have been studying Judaism. Maybe eventually I will be a Jewish believer in Jesus, but for now I am only a Jewish convert. I feel like Catholicism failed me in so many ways and that when I tried to cling to other Christian denominations, they only pushed me farther away. I have always felt called to Judaism and I feel closer to G-d through that than anything else. Sorry this comment was so long. I guess I started rambling. Anyway, if you will go to my site – you’ll see I am doing a bit better. I’m trying to recover right now and stop fasting, using an awards system of sorts.
*hugs*
Thanks for your concerned comment in my guestbook, sorry I only just now noticed it.
Thank you sweetie. : )
Hi Last Unicorn, glad you came by. I left a note at your site.
Ev, I’ll have to look at that movie, but suspect it would not hold my teenaged son’s interest. If nothing else, I will try to read the book.
I am so grateful for all your encouragement and care.
Heather