Then Simon Peter, having a sword, drew it and struck the high priest’s servant, and cut off his right ear. The servant’s name was Malchus.
So Jesus said to Peter, “Put your sword into the sheath. Shall I not drink the cup which My Father has given Me?” John 18:10-11
Have you ever tried to help God out, thinking somehow your insight and abilities would be able to alter events and fix problems better than our omnipotent and sovereign God?
In our humanness, we can step out in front of the Lord, thinking His timing and ways are not working, so we better stick our noses in it and give Him aid. Yet our limited perspective only muddies the situation in which He is in thorough control. We are not the Holy Spirit and much of our well meaning advice and actions, apart from the leading of the Spirit, hinder rather than help the situation.
Peter thought he was helping out when he drew his sword in the Garden of Gethsemane. Impetuous Peter, to the rescue, cut off the ear of a servant of the high priest. That was showing ‘em. Fortunately, Jesus was there to keep Peter from becoming a casualty of his own heroics, but also He also healed the maimed servant, correcting the error made in a moment of passion.
Jesus steps into our own sword swinging episodes and saves us from ourselves, literally picking up the pieces and healing those who may need it. Peter’s behavior reminds me that even in our own impetuous mistakes and well meaning help that all things work together for good, to those who are called according to His purpose. It is better not to draw our swords and come to Jesus’ rescue, but when we do, He is faithful to rebuke, heal and restore.
God’s plans cannot be thwarted by our human interference. Jesus reminded Peter that He was going to “drink the cup which the Father had given Him”. God’s purpose and plans are victorious, always, in His timing, despite our sword swinging meddling.
Whatever circumstance you find yourself in, pray before you act. Step out of the way of the Lord and let Him fight your battles. God’s purpose will be fulfilled without your helpful ways. There is a freedom in trusting that “God’s got this” and peace that passes all understanding when we can truly rest in that knowledge. “The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” Exodus 14:14