Our Shield And Exceeding Great Reward

Wednesday, March 26



Matthew 26:52-54 (NKJV)
“But Jesus said to him, “Put your sword in its place, for all who take the sword will perish by the sword. Or do you think that I cannot now pray to My Father, and He will provide Me with more than twelve legions of angels? How then could the Scriptures be fulfilled, that it must happen thus?”
Devotion

Jesus was presenting questions to Peter, right after he rebuked Peter for using his sword, as a means of defending him.

Scripture also refers to Jesus in this light in the Old Testament, “I gave My back to those who struck Me, and My cheeks to those who plucked out the beard; I did not hide My face from shame and spitting.” (Isaiah 50:6)

Many of us witnessed the water baptisms this past Sunday. During these services, Pastor Franklin often asks people to share their testimonies and salvation journeys as they step into the water.

As vast and varied as our responses to struggles, missteps, and backsliding may be, it is only the way of the Savior, leading us to his Cross and ultimately to his waters of refreshing that seals our eternal destination in Christ.

And still, there will always be one or two who are so overcome with emotion and closure that there are no words, only the undeniable weight of God’s Presence in those waters of rebirth. Their countenance tells the story. It is our testimony, presented on the public stage, of what Jesus did for all of us on Calvary.

As if Jesus would say to each one of us, as he did to Peter, “you will never have to defend Me, yet I will always defend you.”

Today’s Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father,
We thank You that Jesus decided to do Your will in going to the cross. We thank You for the legions of angels at his disposal. I pray that my heart would be like Jesus, committed to do Your will, even if it means times of suffering when I do not see Your power. And when I have suffered in my body, help me be done with sin. In the Name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.

Apply It Today

Jesus made it clear that he was willing to undergo difficulty to participate in accomplishing God’s purpose. In our difficulties, let us change our prayers from asking God to bring us into ease. Instead, let us ask that God’s purpose be accomplished for His glory, and that we will be sanctified and refined in the way He intends for the salvation of others.

Resources

  • Watch this short clip, “Trusting God’s Plan”, and let it encourage you to trust and obey. 
  • Read Genesis 15:1. This was God’s promise to Abraham, and it still rings true through Christ Jesus, today.