Warriors Arise: October 22, 2021
Luke 22:47-54 (NKJV) And while He was still speaking, behold, a multitude; and he who was called Judas, one of the twelve, went before them and drew near to Jesus to kiss Him. 48 But Jesus said to him, “Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?” 49 When those around Him saw what was going to happen, they said to Him, “Lord, shall we strike with the sword?” 50 And one of them struck the servant of the high priest and cut off his right ear. 51 But Jesus answered and said, “Permit even this.” And He touched his ear and healed him. 52 Then Jesus said to the chief priests, captains of the temple, and the elders who had come to Him, “Have you come out, as against a robber, with swords and clubs? 53 When I was with you daily in the temple, you did not try to seize Me. But this is your hour, and the power of darkness.” 54 Having arrested Him, they led Him and brought Him into the high priest's house.
Could God have arranged for one more miracle to be done before Jesus goes through hell and back for all mankind? The heart of Jesus is to right the wrongs, set the record straight, to show His power over the situation. He remained calm in the midst of betrayal. He remained calm when He was grabbed and hands laid on Him like He was a common thug. He remained calm when His disciples acted without thinking. In the midst of chaos, Jesus didn't lose focus on the Father's will, demonstrating the Father's love, and seizing the opportunity to release the Father's power. It is mind-boggling that He asks permission to heal, “Permit even this.” And He touched his ear and healed him. He totally allowed them to be in charge even though He had done nothing wrong.
After yesterday's blog you might have thought that Judas was the 1 Jesus was going after but I think it might have been Malchus. A man who had probably been sent a number of times by the priest to watch Jesus, scout out and get information on what He was doing and where He was going. I wonder if Jesus was talking directly to Malchus when He said, "I was with you daily in the temple, you did not try to seize Me." Which might be why Peter struck him. They had all seen these soldiers before, maybe even a number of times.
What was it like for Malchus to look into Jesus' eyes and have Him speak directly to him when He said, "Permit even this?" Malchus is in pain. Peter cut off his right ear. Blood had to be spewing everywhere. The scene should have been pure chaos. Once Peter acted with the sword why wasn't the mob on them and the soldiers advancing upon the disciples?
God was in control of the situation. Jesus acted in love toward those who were coming to deliver Him into the hands of His accusers. Many were pawns in the wrong place at the wrong time. Ultimately, they were being used to bring about God's plan, the redemption of mankind through the blood sacrifice of Jesus Christ, the Messiah. In the midst of what had to happen, Jesus touches and heals the one who came to deliver Him to His accusers.
Malchus didn't ask Jesus to heal him. But I wonder if there was a plea in his eyes. If he had been sent to spy on Jesus and report to the chief priests over the past several months then he would have seen the miracles. With his own mouth he would have denounced Jesus to every one. Now, he is the one in need of a miracle. He finds out in one touch what the Son of Man can do even for one who does not believe. When Jesus touched his ear did his heart get touched too?
They should have all been killed when Peter struck the soldier with the sword and drew blood. But God was still in control. Jesus had one way to die and it wasn't by accident or the way to the mob. Even with the mob riled up they did not advance. Jesus spoke and they had the option to listen and learn. Their eyes were about to see something they didn't know could happen. They were supposed to be laying hold of Jesus to bring Him to the high priest, but instead Jesus asked permission then touches and heals Malchus. Malchus would always remember what Jesus did.
Sometimes we can think God is not in control of a situation. Things may get out of hand like when Peter cut off Malchus' ear, but then God intervenes with a touch.
Father, no matter how chaotic a situation may get You are still in control if we will yield to You. I ask for Your love to be extended as You reach down from heaven and touch those who are the accusers of the brethren. I ask for each one to see You, look into Your eyes and when You ask, they say yes. I pray they would allow You to touch them and heal them body, soul and spirit. What seems like being in the wrong place at the wrong time is actually the right place, at the right time. We may not want the chaos but when You are in control the situation totally flips so people see Your love as You touch them and restore their body, mind and spirit. Come and minister Your love to those who seek to accuse the brethren. Turn their hearts toward You in Jesus' name amen.
A Warrior in the Lord’s Army,
Veridee Joy Hand
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