John 18 Devotions by Stephen Taylor

John 18:10,11

Then Simon Peter, who had a sword, drew it and struck the high priest’s servant, cutting off his right ear. (The servant’s name was Malchus.) Jesus commanded Peter, “Put your sword away! Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?”

What’s our response when God’s will doesn’t line up with our wants? When His plan doesn’t line up with ours? We see two reactions to that here. Peter, who is still a little worldly at this point, responds how many of us would and do. He tries to save Christ through a worldly way, caring more about the physical than the spiritual, wildly swinging his sword, all the while forgetting Who is truly in charge. His heart for Christ is beautiful, but he’s a little off base.

How often do we try to do for God instead of surrendering to His will and walking in what He has planned? I don’t blame Peter for wanting to defend Christ, but in the end, God doesn’t call us to defend Him but serve Him, no matter what.

Then we see Christ’s response to God’s will, which doesn’t necessarily line up with what He wants to do. Of course, Christ wants to do God’s will, and He came to set the captives free, but the Bible is very clear that He wasn’t looking forward or excited about what was coming on the cross. He knew what lay ahead and yet still responded in faith, surrender, obedience, and love. The Bible never tells us we have to like what’s coming, but it does tell us we must follow Him in faith and rejoice always.

Sometimes, rejoicing isn’t a song or a shout but a quiet obedience marked with faith and love. We all have a cup to drink; will we respond like Peter, or like Christ? If we want to respond like Christ, we must first be in Christ. Surrender to Him today and watch your life be changed forever!

Romans 8:1,2- Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death.

God bless! I love you all, but His love carries us on wings like an eagle! Glory, honor, and praise now and forever to Papa God, Jesus Christ our King, and the Holy Spirit!