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 ...
“Who are you, Lord?” [Acts 9: 1 -9] Are we truly changing? The life of a Christian is one of transformation. Faith is a willingness to change. The church is a community of people who have not only experienced change, but also seek it (Internet). However, there are times when we long for change, yet become disappointed and discouraged when we see our own habits persist. Regarding this spiritual condition, author Robert Boyd Munger, in his book "A Pauper of a Prince?," says, ‘Many Christians today are despairing due to weakness, failure, and feebleness, unable to break free from the swamp of incompetence and helplessness. Therefore, the author's desire is to give this amazing gift of a transformed life to us all. The author's words, 'The amazing gift of a transformed life is more than forgiveness for the past or a promise for the future.' This gift pertains to our current lives...