Distance Devotions        –        April 18, 2020

John 18:10, 11                –        Peter Drew His Sword

John 18:10 Then Simon Peter having a sword drew it, and smote the high priest’s servant, and cut off his right ear. The servant’s name was Malchus.  11 Then said Jesus unto Peter, Put up thy sword into the sheath: the cup which my Father hath given me, shall I not drink it?

Simon Peter has been the subject of countless sermons and used in illustrations even more so.  We point our his failings, his impetuous speech (once even attempting to rebuke the Lord Jesus), his denial of the Lord on the night before the crucifixion, and his return to fishing as an occupation taking six other disciples with him.  Old Peter sure could make a mess of things.  I wonder how many times I have spoken impetuously and unnecessarily injured or offended another believer.  Quite honestly, it hurts too much to think of my failings and shortcomings in the ministry for very long.  It drives me to seek the Lord’s face and comfort as well as forgiveness.  Have you ever spoken out of turn or out of hand and offended someone.  If so, the Lord will forgive you even if men will not.  Humility and sincere repentance asking for forgiveness of the offended party is biblical and will teach us not to be so loose lipped the next time. 

However, for all of Peter’s human faults, he was greatly used of the Lord.  He had great courage and the Bible reveals it.  Who else asked to walk on the water with Jesus?  Who of all the disciples drew their sword in defense of the Lord Jesus?  Outnumbered and without any hope of victory, yet Peter was ready to fight and to die for the Lord Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane.  Peter was also the spokesman when Jesus asked the disciples who men thought He might be.  14 And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets.  15 He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am?  16 And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. (Matthew 16)  Peter was also the preacher on the day of Pentecost when the New Testament Church was organized and energized by the descent of the Holy Spirit of God.  Peter was the apostle who was used of the Lord to open the Gospel to the Gentiles (Acts 10). 

Peter had issues, but so do every one of us.  Peter had to mature in his faith and so should we.  In fact, it was Peter who said, But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear…. (1 Peter 3:15)  Let us learn from Peter’s mistakes, but let us also learn from his victories.  Gird on your sword (the Word of God, not a sharp metal object) and go forth into a world in dire need of the message we have.  Thou art the Christ, the Son of the Living God!

Pastor F. J. Weems III