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 ...
Jonah’s God (6) [Jonah 3:1-10] How should we view the crisis in our journey of life? When we encounter a crisis, we often think, "Why did this crisis come to me?" When we do that, we tend to blame on someone whom we think that brought crisis in our lives. And we tend to immerse in the crisis we faced in this thought and resentment. As a result, we don’t see others other than ourselves. And we are even more depressed in despair by falling into the swamp of crisis and losing the desire and hope of salvation. Is this the reaction of the crisis that God who controls the crisis wants from us? I don’t think so. I think crisis can be a good opportunity for us to experience His love in depth. Also, crisis can be the good opportunity for us to love those who are going through the similar crisis in their lives. If we don’t leave the Word of God in our crisis, then it can be a good opportunity for us to trust God and obey His Word so that His Word can bec...