MONDAY 13 June, 2016
Off With Your Head
Then Abishai the son of Zeruiah said to the king, “Why should this dead dog curse my lord the king? Please, let me go over and take off his head!” - 2 Samuel 16:9
David’s whole army was formed from men who were great fighters. These warriors would do whatever it took to protect their king; they were not afraid of anybody. Abishai, the eldest son of Zeruiah, David’s sister, was one of David’s mighty military leaders. He loyally loved his king and at any given time would willingly lay down his life for him. Being protective of David he asked to take off the head of Shimei. It could be easily done; just one quick swipe of his sharp sword and he would be silenced.
The disciple Peter was zealous toward Jesus Christ. Impulsively, he took a sword to Malchus who came with a crowd to arrest his Lord. He may have aimed for his head but took off the servant’s right ear!
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).
The Lord rebuked Peter, reminding him of His submission to God’s plan and healed the servant’s ear in Luke 22:51: But Jesus answered and said, “Permit even this.”And He touched his ear and healed him.
Both Abishai and Peter wanted to use their swords; but they needed to learn a lesson of submission by obeying their leader through allowed suffering. Even though Peter denied the Lord, he would repent, become a leader in the church and eventually give his life for the Lord (John 21:18).
To bring our minds under Christ's yoke is not to deny our rationality
but to submit to his revelation.
~John R. W. Stott~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit Somebodylovesyouradio.org!
