PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Mark 14:43-52
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“Am I leading a rebellion, that you have come out with swords and clubs to capture me?” (Mark 14:48)
Jesus has no interest in overcoming authorities with the sword.
From the beginning he was clear that he came with grace and truth.
Even his followers were confused by this.
At this moment, when it becomes clear he isn’t going to fight, they desert him.
Sometimes it seems christians do think that Jesus was leading a rebellion.
They arm themselves with political manouvres, boycotts and some even with guns.
They claim to be all about the truth, but fail to lead that truth with grace.
Grace is not weakness, it is God’s strength.
Through grace God started this whole Jesus movement.
But once started, too many of his followers replaced grace with force.
God is not establishing his kingdom by force (political or military).
Grace in action is powerful and world-changing.
To bless the enemy, help the outcast, forgive the offender, treat all as family.
If the church became known for this, we would see the world change more dramatically.
PRAYER
Lord, this idea of grace appeals to me. But it is harder to live it out. Help me to put away my self-serving sword and join you in loving, blessing and serving my neighbour, no matter what they are or what they’ve done.
Jesus came to serve – a servant’s heart. And He was rejected from within – a disciple. The enemy from within is dangerous, deadly. And Jesus met that challenge with grace and truth. And I? How do I meet my challenges from those around me? With a servant’s heart – with love and mercy, forgiving or with anger and bitterness and force? Today I continue to go forward – remembering – if it is at all possible, live at peace with all mankind. Love makes the world go around.
Grace and truth shall mark the way
Where the Lord His own will lead,
If His Word they still obey
And His testimonies heed.
For Thy Name’s sake hear Thou me,
For Thy mercy, Lord, I wait;
Pardon my iniquity,
For my sin is very great.
He who walks in godly fear
In the path of truth shall go;
Peace shall be his portion here,
And his sons all good shall know.
They that fear and love the Lord
Shall His holy friendship know;
He will grace to them accord,
And His faithful covenant show.