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 ...
“I will always have hope” [Psalms 71:1-14] President Nixon's assistant, Chuck Colson, wrote his book" Born Again," focusing on his experience in prison. He said he saw three people among the prisoners: the first is a hopeless prisoner who hits his head against the wall and hurt his own body, the second kind is the hopeless prisoner who squat down in their own chambers, and the third kind of prisoners are waiting for the day to leave the prison and thus they exercise whenever they have an opportunity. Although they are in prison, they act like they will go out tomorrow. Even though their bodies are trapped in prison, their minds are out there and enjoy freedom. Those who live in hope are free. Their lives are overflowing with hope. Those who attitude is positive and optimistic are looking at the light even in the dark. But those who are pessimistic see darkness even in the ligh...