April 3, 2023: In The Shadow Of The Word

"Then Simon Peter, having a sword, drew it and struck the high priest's servant and cut off his right ear. (The servant's name was Malchus.)" (John 18:10, ESV)

Peter was keeping his word to Jesus from Matthew 26:35, "Even if I must die with you, I will not deny you. And all the disciples said the same." Yet as Peter drew his sword, his actions were in the shadow of Jesus' words, "I tell you, this very night, before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times." (Mt 26:34)

How can one draw his sword to defend Jesus, cut off a man's ear, and, in the next moment, be found denying Jesus? Peter was an impulsive person. He often spoke before thinking and acted before contemplating the results of his actions. It is easy to get into 'the flesh' and forget what is spiritually happening around us. Jesus tried to help Peter, by bringing to his attention the need to be spiritually aware, but Peter still missed it.

Often we are bold when in the presence of friends but tremble when in the presence of our accusers. Jesus recognized the pride in Peter and all of the disciples when they declared they would die for Him. But the reality was—He was there to die for them.

Our actions and words are often like Peter's. Once spoken, those words and actions live in the shadow of Jesus' words. May Jesus' words become light to us so that we no longer live in the shadow of His word but in the light of what He has spoken.