Peter’s Sword

Peter’s Sword By Kirk Hunt

 

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 NKJV

 

There were two weapons among the Disciples (Luke 22:38), but Scripture records only one sword being used: Peter’s. Did the swing come from skillful training or hard-bitten experience? Scripture does not say.

 

From the comfort of an arm chair, with the New Testament readily available, modern-day Saints criticize Peter. So did Jesus, in the moment (v. 11). Still, Peter’s sword teaches modern saints important lessons.

 

Peter thought ahead and equipped himself. Peter had the means, knowhow and willingness to protect Jesus and the other Disciples from the violent thieves of the era. You cannot choose if you do not have the means to change (or at least impact) the situation.

 

Peter was close and committed enough to take action. Too many stand at a distance from the lives of saints or sinners, or refuse to get deeply and personally involved. Presence and action are proof of caring.

 

Peter’s sword stroke was full of good intentions and sincere motivation. It was still the wrong act, at the wrong time. Right actions must be based on right thinking, not just right hearts. Peter made matters worse. Has that ever happened to you?

 

You are God’s agent for change. You will have to get close, have the right tools and take the right actions. I pray you are God’s wise, not just strong, instrument in the world.

 

Think:             I cannot help if I do not have the means, willingness and wisdom to effect change.

 

Pray:               “Lord, help me to be Your effective change agent.”

 

 

Copyright © July 2014, Kirk Hunt

This devotional is a ministry of https://devotionals.cadremenpress.com.

What Is Your Ambition?

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What Is Your Ambition? by Kirk Hunt

 

They said unto him, Grant unto us that we may sit, one on thy right hand, and the other on thy left hand, in thy glory. (Mark 10:37 KJV)

Mark 10:37 KJV

Please read Mark 10:35-40

 

They were up front and personal with their request.  “Make us your chief guys.”  Straight.   To the point.  There were determined to fulfill their own ambitions.

 

Neither James or John asked what Jesus wanted.  Scripture does not record their explanation or discussion about how they wanted to serve the coming Kingdom.  All they appeared to want was important positions.

 

Ambition leads men and women to take steps.  That may include accomplishing a particular task or goal.  It could be gaining a specific ally.  Perhaps it involves removing a particular hindrance.

 

What is your ambition?  Why is that your ambition?  What will you do to achieve your ambition?

 

I pray you have ambitions.  To serve His Kingdom.  To minister to the hurting.  To save the lost.

 

Ambition is all too easily a negative.  History and current events are full of examples of self-seeking, sometimes ruthless, ambition.  James and John are exposed in this example from the Gospels.

 

Life-saving discoveries have come into the world through ambition.  Ambition has been the source of violence and chaos across the globe.   What kind of ambition do you have?

 

Think:            Is my ambition Godly, or something else?

 

Pray:             “Lord, give me ambition to build Your Kingdom, for You.”

 

Copyright © September 2012, Kirk Hunt

This devotional is a ministry of https://devotionals.cadremenpress.com.