Daily Huddle - Tue Jul 9, 2019 Put Up Your Sword

Love you all, praying for you! 
 
What a blessing that the God of the universe actually speaks to us.  It’s an amazing thing!  Who are we, that You should speak to us?  But He does.  Praying that you are constantly coming back to PRISM all day long - He has words for you today, words of encouragement, words of love, words of blessing, words of faith, words of joy, words of correction, words of instruction, words of hope, words of insight, words of explanation, words of wonder, words of purpose, words of affirmation.  His Word stands firm forever, but He is always speaking to us, revealing himself, and His love for us. 
 
I love the words of encouragement, I’m less comfortable with words of correction or realignment.  But both are so needed.  God showed me something recently.   John 18:11 – Jesus commanded Peter, put up your sword, shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?   Jesus and the disciples were in the garden of Gethsemane in the olive grove where they often met.  And here comes Judas leading a detachment of soldiers and officials from the Chief Priests and Pharisees.  They were carrying torches, weapons, and lanterns.  V4  Jesus knowing all that was going to happen to him, went out and asked them, “Who is it you want?”  “Jesus of Nazareth,” they replied.  “I am he,” Jesus said (And Judas the traitor was standing there with them.)  V6 When Jesus said, “I am he,” they drew back and fell to the ground.  Again he asked them, “Who is it that you want?  And they said, “Jesus of Nazareth.”  “I told you that I am he,” Jesus answered.  “If you are looking for me, then let these men go.”  This happened so that the words he had spoken would be fulfilled: “I have not lost one of those you gave me.”  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?”
 
Jesus and Peter were in full demonstration of The Spirit, and the flesh.  The spirit yields to the will of God, the flesh tries to avoid or work things out on its own.  It will fight, run from, argue with, or try to circumvent anything that is new, or different, or uncomfortable.  Things we don’t understand, don’t desire, don’t see clearly, or dislike, we resist.  When we pray for something, and it’s not happening, we try to make it happen, instead of let it happen and trust God.  If you are striving or conniving, chances are it’s not the Holy Spirit leading you, it’s your flesh trying to work things out.  Peter was obviously a fisherman, not a swordsman, and he obviously wasn’t that brilliant a strategist either.  Did he think this one through?  What was he going to do next?  This is not a well thought out move…  He had one sword, they had an entire detachment of soldiers.  Fortunately for him, the Commander of the Armies of the Heaven stepped in, healed the guy’s ear, and told Peter ‘that’s not the plan.”  Put your sword away.  Will I not drink the cup my Father has given me? 
 
What are you going through or facing right now – that you’re fighting?  Did God really tell you to fight it, or is your flesh just reacting?  Is God really telling you… “Put away your sword?”   This is an unusual example, because we will obviously never be called on to be crucified for the sins of the world, we’re not qualified, only one man in human history could have done that.  And He did it willingly!  But God does give us some things to endure, or go through, to refine us, that serve a higher purpose that God has for our life or His Kingdom.  Our willingness to submit to His will, to come under, may be to accept a loss with humility and patience, or forego revenge, or wait on His supply, rather than trying to supply ourselves, or wait on His timing, rather than trying to force the issue, or our timing…  Do you really want to use that sword?  Really?  Do you think you’re gonna fix this?  Better to put it away and let Jesus handle it, and the Father bring about His perfect will in every circumstance, in the fullness of His time.  We’re not talking about neglecting to do what God told you to do (If He told you to do something, in PiVAT or in the moment - then do it!)  We’re talking about fighting with God to bring about your plan, rather than trusting Him for His plan for your life, or your career, your ministry, or your kids, or their kids. 
 
Praying that you will fully know and fully do what God told you to do, nothing more, and nothing less – in His time.  Praying for you that you will put away your sword.  That you would ask God what HE wants you to do in this situation, before resisting everything you don’t understand or agree with.  God would you give them discernment, would you help them be joyfully faithful, peacefully patient, walking completely in the Spirit, at His direction - and never in the flesh.  So You can bring the fullness of Your Kingdom purpose in their life – to walk in the Good and the fruit that you have for them.  In Jesus’ Name.
 
Love you all,
dad