“When you go out to battle against your enemies and see horses and chariots and people more numerous than you, do not be afraid of them; for the Lord your God, who brought you up from the land of Egypt, is with you..” ( Deuteronomy 20:1).
Peter was one cool courageous fellow! Plucked out of his fishing job, which for a man of his energies, must have been rather boring, he was happy to take up second in command in Jesus’s army. He was never short of words or one who hesitated to take action. So quite aware of his gusto, once the Lord remarked, “Now I say to you that you are Peter (which means ‘rock’), and upon this rock I will build my church, and all the powers of hell will not conquer it” (Mathew 16:18).
About some time later when Peter heard that everyone in Jesus army was to desert him, he immediately protested. “But Peter declared, “Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you” ( Mathew 26:35). He was not bluffing. The day soldiers arrived with swords, “Then Simon Peter, who had a sword, drew it and struck the high priest’s servant, cutting off his right ear.” (John 18:12). Peter was ready for battle.
But then our friend was disappointed. For Jesus “commanded Peter, “Put your sword away! Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?” ( vv 11). Peter thought that physical battle was the thing. He was not aware there was also the spiritual battle.
For while the soldiers and high priests seemed overwhelming, there was another mighty army of angels guarding Jesus! It’s a fact that Jesus had to go through the torture of being arrested and crucified like a criminal but all was for a certain purpose- take up the sins of the world for our salvation.
Ultimately the victory Peter must have longed for was accomplished when Jesus triumphed over death. So, when like Peter you are faced with a battle and it seems the physical army before you is quite overwhelming, just know there is an army of angels eager and able to protect and deliver you, but only on the Lord’s schedule!
Prayer today: Lord Father God of Abraham, maker of heaven and earth, where I am faced with any forces raised against me, I know there is an army far greater than of the enemy, whose trust I put in you for victory belongs to you, this I pray in Jesus’s name.
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17/05/2024 - 18/05/2024 All day“And I in righteousness I shall see your face; when I awake, I shall be satisfied with seeing your likeness” (Psalm 17:15)
One of the defining aspects we see in the life of the Lord Jesus Christ is that He began the day with prayer. “Very early in the morning while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed” (Mark 1:35). As he was always surrounded by crowds and after such a busy day before of preaching and engaging the Pharisees in debates this must have been a therapeutic moment for Christ when he would have some good time to himself.
But there was also more. For Jesus being away in a secluded place would also mean a chance to pour out His heart to God, meditate in quietness, plan for the day ahead and listen to the Father. Jesus must have looked up to this moment every day knowing its benefits. Conversations with His Father must have been real and intimate, bringing a certain soothing and uplifting of His spirit. You do not wake up and stick to something on a daily basis that is a drag – this must have been his best time of the day!
Martin Luther the leader of the protestant reformation is reputed to once have said, “I have so much to do that I shall spend the first three hours in prayer.” Here is the point. In the olden days before the arrival of locomotive transport those who were setting out for a long journey on foot had to start early with the first cock crow before the punishing sun came out. One of the things they had to start with also was a good meal, which was fuel needed to give them energy through the long walk to their destiny.
There are no rules about waking up to pray as first thing- or even saying prayer at a defined hour of the day. God is everywhere and ever with us. He is accessible at any time of the day. But there is something special about prioritizing our lives that the first thing we do is to talk to God. Just like the early traveller we need fuel, for the long day ahead!
Prayer for today: Lord Father God of Abraham, maker of heaven and earth, what a joy and privilege to make time at the start of any day, talk and hear from you, for the power I need through the day, this I pray in Jesus’ name!
