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 ...
“If God is for us” [Romans 8:31-39] God loves me and you. Because of His love, God chose us in advance (predestination) (Rom.8:29, 30), who knew in advance (foreknowledge) (v. 29). And God called us, the chosen ones, through the gospel of Jesus Christ, and made us believe in Jesus amidst the inspiration, influence, and works of the Holy Spirit, and thus called us righteous (justification). And God has given us who have been called righteous eternal hope. That eternal hope is the glory that will be revealed to us in the future (v. 18), the redemption of our body (v. 23), and the glory of resurrection. In other words, God will glorify us in the future (v. 30). This is God's will for us who love Him (v. 27). As God accomplishes this will, God the Holy Spirit also dwells in us who believe in Jesus and continues to pray with inexpressible groanings for His will to be fulfilled...