Devotional Reflection Based on the Incident of Peter Cutting Off Malchus's Ear: “Then one of those standing near drew his sword and struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear.” ( Mark 14:47, Today's Korean Version ) 1. Identifying the People Involved: The person who stood beside Jesus and drew the sword was Simon Peter . The servant of the high priest was named Malchus . “Then Simon Peter, who had a sword, drew it and struck the high priest’s servant, cutting off his right ear. The servant’s name was Malchus.” ( John 18:10 ) 2. Jesus' Response to Peter's Action: (a) Jesus said: “Permit even this.” ( Luke 22:51, KJV: “Suffer ye thus far”; RSV: “No more of this” ) The Greek words clarify this: “ἕως τούτου” (“heōs toutou”) = “up to this point” or “even this” “ἐᾶτε” (“eate”) = “allow it,” “let it be,” “leave it alone” Therefore, Jesus is essentially saying: “Let them do what they are doing. Do not resist any further.” “If ...
God who helps me [Psalms 121] Do you know that you need help? If so, what do you do when you need help? Who are you asking for help? When I personally need help, I tend to sing the hymn “Jesus, My Lord to Thee I Cry”. In particular, I like the words of verse three: “No preparation can I make, My best resolves I only break, Yet save me for Thine own name’s sake, And take me as I am” (Internet). When I fall because my strength and determination are weak and when I feel like I need help urgently, I pray God and sing this hymn “Jesus, My Lord to Thee I Cry.” And often the bible verse that comes to my mind is Psalms 121:1-2: “I will lift up my eyes to the mountains; From where shall my help come? My help comes from the LORD, Who made heaven and earth.” I want to meditate on the whole of Psalms 121 under the title of "God who helps me" and to receive the lessons God gives...