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 ...
The true church [Psalms 87] A. W. Tozer's book, “The Incredible Christian” is a reinstatement of true faith to warn of hypocrisy and to be a true Christian. The author criticizes the faith that has been lopsided to one side, the faith with experience but without theology, and the unpleasant faith that isn’t deeply moved in meeting God but only has dead orthodoxy, and etc. as ‘fake faith' distorted by modern church materialism. And he shouted that we must return to the true faith of becoming the real salt of the world and of willing to bear our own cross. Since true Christians believe in Christ's victory, they are willing to suffer in order to participate in His victory. Five things are listed in Pastor Tozer's book list (Internet): (1) The real is not ashamed of the rugged cross (Ch. 1), (2) The real rejects the cotton candy gospel and bel...