Stop It! You Are Fighting Against God!
Rev. Tse Amable | October 5 2024 | John 18:1-11
KEY VERSE:
Jesus commanded Peter, “PUT YOUR SWORD AWAY! SHALL I NOT DRINK THE CUP THE FATHER HAS GIVEN ME?” John 18:11 (NIV)
MESSAGE:
Loyalty is a good thing. When you have associates and followers who are very loyal to you and your cause and are prepared even to die for you, that is great. But it is not a good thing if your associate or follower is doing something which is against the revealed will of God for you – your life, ministry, cause, etc. This is what the Apostle Peter was doing in this story.
You remember earlier when Jesus Christ told his disciples that he was going to Jerusalem where he would be arrested and put to death? On that occasion, the scriptures say Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. “NEVER, LORD!” he said. “THIS SHALL NEVER HAPPEN TO YOU!” (Matthew 16:22). This did not go down well with Jesus Christ, and he turned and said to Peter, “GET BEHIND ME, SATAN! YOU ARE A STUMBLING BLOCK TO ME; YOU DO NOT HAVE IN MIND THE THINGS OF GOD, BUT THE THINGS OF MEN.” (Matthew 16:23). It appeared Peter had not understood the message and was still bent on protecting Jesus Christ from arrest by the soldiers. In trying to stand by the earlier vow he made to the Lord (see Matthew 26:33) and to prove his loyalty to his Master, Peter drew his sword and cut off the right ear of the high priest's servant.
Jesus Christ knew that even though the contents of the cup were bitter, it was coming from the Father, and he was willing to accept it and drink it. Centuries earlier, Job also knew that his sufferings had the sanction of God and rebuked his wife who advised Job to curse God and die. Job’s rhetorical question to the wife was “Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?”
Be very careful how you respond to the storms of life so that you do not put yourself in the difficult situation of fighting against God. You can never win. Therefore, submit to the Lord and live.
FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE:
Are you showing blind loyalty to someone (your pastor, supervisor at work, government official, etc.) in clear contravention of the word of God? Are you prepared to accept any bitter and troubling situation if you know that is the will of God for you?
PRAYER:
Father, I know that in all situations, you are working for my good. Your plans for me are for good and not for evil. Help me to yield and submit to you. Give me the strength to go through any storm of life you approve for me. Amen!
THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING.
SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!!
DAILY word study: CUP
The word "cup" in our key verse comes from the Greek word poterion (ποτήριον), which figuratively represents a person’s fate or portion, especially when it involves suffering or divine judgment.
The "cup" symbolizes God’s ordained path, which may include suffering or hardship. Jesus’ acceptance of the cup demonstrates submission to God’s plan, teaching believers that following God’s will sometimes involves painful situations. Jesus fully understood that the cup of suffering was part of the Father’s plan, and He willingly accepted it, rebuking Peter for attempting to prevent His arrest. Like Jesus, we are called to embrace the challenges God allows, trusting that He is working through them for a greater purpose. Reflections: When faced with hardship or difficult decisions, are you willing to accept the "cup" that God has given you? Are there situations in which you’re resisting His will, thinking it might be easier to fight against it?
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