Word@Work 180 - Mark 14:46-47
Published: Mon, 08/04/08
Word@Work from BeaconLight
Read Mark 14:46-47 The men seized Jesus and arrested him. Then one of those standing near drew his sword and struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear. (NIV)
We may well feel really sad about the way that the Son of God was manhandled in His arrest, as though He would escape their puny clutches. But He did not resist - this was completely in line with God's plan. He went 'as a lamb to the slaughter' (cf Is. 53:7). By contrast, the self-sufficient Peter, who had boasted of his loyalty probably swung his sword at the High Priest, missed and instead just cut off his servant's ear.
Had Peter been alert in Gethsemane, and had he prepared himself in prayer, such a stupid act would have been out of the question. Apart from anything else, it was a hanging offence ... there might have been four crosses instead of three. Whatever Peter's motivation, he had not understood that Jesus had to die for the sins of everybody, including Peter. The big error of understanding was that Peter could never be Jesus' saviour: Jesus was to be Peter's Saviour.
Although we usually err in being too passive and non-confrontational, there are times when it is our responsibility to protect the business, the family, our colleagues or even the church. Yes, we may have a responsibility to protect, guard and nurture: it may be our job to make wise decisions to ensure the stability of the business. But when it comes to taking the place of Jesus in being the Saviour - we cannot and must not assume that responsibility. He alone is the Saviour.
Prayer: Dear Lord. Thank you for being my Saviour and the only Saviour for the world. Forgive me when I prayerlessly presume to be the answer to the world's needs, when it is You I should be advertising. In Your Name. Amen.
You can read more of this Bible passage online - in English and other languages - share the Bible with your friends!
We may well feel really sad about the way that the Son of God was manhandled in His arrest, as though He would escape their puny clutches. But He did not resist - this was completely in line with God's plan. He went 'as a lamb to the slaughter' (cf Is. 53:7). By contrast, the self-sufficient Peter, who had boasted of his loyalty probably swung his sword at the High Priest, missed and instead just cut off his servant's ear.
Had Peter been alert in Gethsemane, and had he prepared himself in prayer, such a stupid act would have been out of the question. Apart from anything else, it was a hanging offence ... there might have been four crosses instead of three. Whatever Peter's motivation, he had not understood that Jesus had to die for the sins of everybody, including Peter. The big error of understanding was that Peter could never be Jesus' saviour: Jesus was to be Peter's Saviour.
Although we usually err in being too passive and non-confrontational, there are times when it is our responsibility to protect the business, the family, our colleagues or even the church. Yes, we may have a responsibility to protect, guard and nurture: it may be our job to make wise decisions to ensure the stability of the business. But when it comes to taking the place of Jesus in being the Saviour - we cannot and must not assume that responsibility. He alone is the Saviour.
Prayer: Dear Lord. Thank you for being my Saviour and the only Saviour for the world. Forgive me when I prayerlessly presume to be the answer to the world's needs, when it is You I should be advertising. In Your Name. Amen.
You can read more of this Bible passage online - in English and other languages - share the Bible with your friends!
Why not share Word@Work with your friends - they can subscribe at http://www.beaconlight.co.uk/email!
If you value your free Word@Work - an occasional donation will help us to maintain and develop the ministry - thank you!
If you value your free Word@Work - an occasional donation will help us to maintain and develop the ministry - thank you!
W@W180 | Word@Work 2008 © Dr Paul Adams | Provided by BeaconLight
Contact us at wordatwork@beaconlight.co.uk
Your next Word@Work will be sent on