In today’s reading, I found several verses that caught my eye for one reason or another, so I’d like to share some thoughts on these with you.

For if you are careful to carry out these commands, then kings who sit on David’s throne will come through the gates of this palace, riding in chariots and on horses, accompanied by their officials and their people.

Jeremiah 22:4 (NIV)

When I read this today it just blew me away because God is giving the leaders of Judah another chance to avoid all of the destruction that is coming their way and they ignore it. I wonder how often we see that we’re going in the wrong direction but we keep plodding on, all the while thinking that we’re going the right way. We don’t have prophets like Jeremiah around today to tell us what’s what because we don’t need them. Every Believer who has an ear to hear what God is saying should listen and then do what He says. Since every Believer can hear what God says it sometimes behooves us to seek multiple councilors as we go on our way. We can also learn a lot when we listen to each other.

He defended the cause of the poor and needy, and so all went well. Is that not what it means to know me?” declares the Lord.

Jeremiah 22:16 (NIV)

As the body of Christ, there are many ways that we can serve humanity. Often those who are rich don’t need the type of material things that those who are poor need. Those who are “well-off” often consider themselves self-sufficient and wise in their own eyes because of their wealth. Hence, it’s difficult for the rich to enter into Heaven (Matthew 19:23). While it’s important to pray for people there are times when we need to do something else in addition to prayer. One way that we can help those who are poor and in need is by supplying what they are materially lacking.

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.)

John 18:10 (NIV)

The time I spent in the SCA was some of the best times I’ve had in my life. Since Peter cut off Malchus’ right ear he was most likely left-handed. Peter also wasn’t using a gladius as some people might think. The gladius was effectively used by the Romans and was a rather large broadsword that no civilian, especially a Jew, would have been able to carry legally (or illegally since they are huge!). The word used here for a sword is “machairan” in Greek. A machaira is probably what Peter used. You can see what it looks like here.

While Peter’s action of cutting off Malchus’ ear might bring him criticism for acting too quickly, it does show that he meant what he said when he told Jesus that he would die for Him (Matthew 26:35). It’s ironic though, that the other part of his statement, “I will never disown you,” he epically fails in following since he denies association with Jesus three times. It makes me wonder about how bold we are for Christ when we are alone and without any other Believers around us.

“What is truth?” retorted Pilate. With this he went out again to the Jews gathered there and said, “I find no basis for a charge against him.

John 18:38 (NIV)

I think that Pilate was saying here, “What’s the point of the truth? People do what they want to do regardless of the truth. Those who have power use that power to exert influence over those who don’t.” He believes that Jesus is a king but here is He is, before Pilate, suffering persecution at the hands of those currently in power. Jesus doesn’t behave in the way that Pilate might expect. Pilate knows that Jesus is innocent but Jesus says and does nothing to defend Himself. As a king, Jesus doesn’t behave like the rulers Pilate has known.

From the mercy of God that seems to never end to Pilate’s infamous retort, “What is truth?” I’ve been blessed, once again, by the reading of His word. I hope that you, too, found something that blessed you.

Do you know God? God knows you and He loves you. He sees you as significant because you are. No one is insignificant to Him. He’s with you today, right now, and He wants you to know Him. Jesus died for your sins and mine so that we could be free of guilt, be freed from death, and live eternally with Him. Eternal salvation is just a prayer away.

Pray this prayer with me to accept the gift of salvation today:

Dear Lord Jesus, I know that I am a sinner, and I ask for Your forgiveness. I believe You died for my sins and rose from the dead. I turn from my sins and invite You to come into my heart and life. I want to trust and follow You as my Lord and Savior. Amen.

If you prayed that prayer then congratulations! You are on the first step of a brand new life. Allow me to be the first to welcome you to my family, the family of God. There are abundant resources available online for new Christians. You can visit here for more information on what to do next. You can also leave me a comment and I’ll do my best to help you on the next step of this incredible journey.

Advertisement