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 ...
Those who are in Christ Jesus [Romans 8:1-11] There may be hymns or gospel songs that you like. And you probably have a reason why you like that hymn or gospel song. Personally, when I see brothers and sisters in Christ whom I love around me suffering from hard work, I often exhort them by quoting the lyrics of the 2nd verse of the gospel song “We Will Keep Our Faith Alive”: “We will live as God has planned though at times we may not understand. Many things we may not see, but our faith will help us believe. From His word we learn the truth; through His love we all are born a new. ….” I don't know how much comfort and strength these lyrics are. Although it is difficult to fathom what the Lord intends, there are many times when I am personally strengthened and comforted by the fact that I am always in the Lord's will. In the midst of this, I began to ponder a little in...