2 Samuel 14:1-33; John 18:1-14; Psalms 119:89-96; Proverbs 26:6-8
NT: “After Jesus had said these things, he went out with his disciples across the Kidron Valley, where there was a garden, and he and his disciples went into it. Judas, who betrayed him, also knew the place, because Jesus often met there with his disciples. So Judas took a company of soldiers and some officials from the chief priests and the Pharisees and came there with lanterns, torches, and weapons. Then Jesus, knowing everything that was about to happen to him, went out and said to them, “Who is it that you’re seeking?” “Jesus of Nazareth,” they answered. “I am he,” Jesus told them. Judas, who betrayed him, was also standing with them. When Jesus told them, “I am he,” they stepped back and fell to the ground. Then he asked them again, “Who is it that you’re seeking?” “Jesus of Nazareth,” they said. “I told you I am he,” Jesus replied. “So if you’re looking for me, let these men go.” Then Simon Peter, who had a sword, drew it, struck the high priest’s servant, and cut off his right ear. (The servant’s name was Malchus.) At that, Jesus said to Peter, “Put your sword away! Am I not to drink the cup the Father has given me?”” (John 18:1-8, 10-11 CSB)
Throughout John’s gospel account, John brought special attention to The Word. In the beginning of his gospel, he spoke of The Word Who was with God and Who was God. Many of Jesus’ lessons had to do with hearing, obeying, and keeping His word. In Jesus’ High Priestly Prayer, He prayed for His disciples and followers to be sanctified (set apart and made holy) by the word of truth. The Bible teaches that all things that are, were made by the Word of God. God’s word has creative and life-giving power. The Bible also teaches that all things are held together by the Word of God. It is the authority of God’s word that keeps creation from collapsing back into chaos. John also brought attention to seven I AM statements (spoken words) that Jesus made during His ministry… statements in which Jesus claimed to be God. God’s word has power and authority… and Jesus Christ is the Word of God incarnate. When the Judas and his company of armed soldiers met Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane, they came face to face with the power and authority of God’s Word in the flesh. Jesus did not run and hide… He did not try to deceive the soldiers by pretending to be someone else. In complete control of the situation, He walked up to the arresting officers and said, “I AM He.” Those words had such power and authority behind them that the entire company of armed soldiers backed away and fell to the ground. Peter, thinking that the Lord needed defending, took out his sword and began acting like a rebellious zealot instead of a disciple of Christ. Jesus doesn’t need us to take up arms and rebelliously fight against earthly powers that stand against Him. Instead, He desires for us to place faith in and obey His word. Jesus’ life wasn’t taken from Him… He was not overpowered and forced to the cross. He humbled Himself and went willingly. Because of that, the powerful and authoritative word that Jesus had is now alive in us… not to dispel an armed company of soldiers, but to dispel the spiritual powers and principalities that war against us and the purposes of God. One day, Christ The Word of God will return, and out of His mouth will come a sharp sword (not a little sword like Peter’s) that will bring a final end to God’s enemies. Hallelujah! Thank you God, for Your Word.
Psalms: “Lord, your word is forever; it is firmly fixed in heaven. Your faithfulness is for all generations; you established the earth, and it stands firm. Your judgments stand firm today, for all things are your servants. If your instruction had not been my delight, I would have died in my affliction. I will never forget your precepts, for you have given me life through them. I am yours; save me, for I have studied your precepts. The wicked hope to destroy me, but I contemplate your decrees. I have seen a limit to all perfection, but your command is without limit.” (Psalms 119:89-96 CSB)
Satan, and all those who align with his purposes, are always scoffing at, sowing doubt in, and ultimately trying to dismantle and destroy God’s word. God’s Word, however, is forever fixed and settled. It cannot, nor will it ever be moved. The earth, and the very laws of nature that hold all created things together, were established by God’s word and will remain until the end of time. Therefore, when we affix ourselves to the Word of God, we will not be shaken, and will live in abundant life and peace.
Jamie Hicks 