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 ...
Pastors are in the most dangerous ... "Dr. Richard J. Krecjir, in a study performed for the Francis A. Schaeffer Institute of Church Leadership Development, found that pastors are in the most dangerous occupation because of the high percentage of those who burn out, experience conflict, and are I'll equipped. Some 89 percent of the pastors surveyed in Reformed and evangelical churches said they had considered leaving the ministry at one time or another, while 57 percent of that number would have forsaken the pastoral call if a better opportunity had presented itself." (Robert D. Stuart, "CHURCH REVITALIZATION FROM THE INSIDE OUT")