Good morning! Have you ever been in a situation where you had an opportunity to stand up and admit something or flee in the hope that you wouldn’t get caught for something you did or someone else did? If so, what did you choose? Did you stand up and admit it or did you flee? Today, we are going to pickup in Matthew chapter 26 and read how the disciples responded.

Bible Verse – Matthew 26:52-56 NLT

“⁵² “Put away your sword,” Jesus told him. “Those who use the sword will die by the sword. ⁵³ Don’t you realize that I could ask my Father for thousands[g] of angels to protect us, and he would send them instantly? ⁵⁴ But if I did, how would the Scriptures be fulfilled that describe what must happen now?”

⁵⁵ Then Jesus said to the crowd, “Am I some dangerous revolutionary, that you come with swords and clubs to arrest me? Why didn’t you arrest me in the Temple? I was there teaching every day. ⁵⁶ But this is all happening to fulfill the words of the prophets as recorded in the Scriptures.” At that point, all the disciples deserted him and fled.”

Reflection

Yesterday we read on Peter’s daring attempt to rescue Jesus from the soldiers by cutting off one of their ears. Today, we read:

• Jesus immediately corrects Peter and brings calm to a chaotic situation.

• Jesus reminds Peter that He (Jesus) could call on the Father to send not one or two angels, but thousands of angels to protect all of them.

• Yet, Jesus reminds Peter of the mission – scripture must be fulfilled.

• Shortly after, all the disciples deserted Jesus and fled.

It wasn’t a surprise to Jesus that this mob was there. Jesus knew the evil plots against him. Jesus knew the reason the mob came at night instead of at the temple, they weren’t tricking anyone except those who weren’t ready – they fled. While Jesus knew the disciples would desert him, it had to be lonely facing that crowd alone.

Sisters and brothers, maybe you are in or have been in a place that you feel alone or feel like all the odds are stacked up against you. The pain or confusion that you feel may be or is real and heartwrenching, but the comforter is here and He will not desert you.

While painful for you, the Lord has not left your side. He went to the cross for you. He loves you and will not let one pain or betrayal go to waste. Sisters and brothers, may I encourage you in love to trust God. Don’t turn away from the Lord.

Will you choose today to trust Jesus and follow him?

Prayer

Father God, thank you for your word that strengthens us daily. Thank you for the love that you pour out on us. Lord, forgive us for the times we have deserted your word and followed our own way. Teach us to reconnect with your word and make it a foundation for our lives, our homes and our actions. Lord, there is no greater love than the love you have shown us. Lord, help us to love as you love and forgive as you forgive. Lord, give us sound discernment and wisdom to understand your will for our lives. Lord, remove the things that are not of you (in us and around us). Keep us steady in your midst and continue to develop our relationship with you. Lord, you know everything about us, you know what we are struggling with mentally, emotionally and spiritually. Lord, will you reset us today? Lord, calm us, give us peace of mind so that we can hear you speak. Lord, give us a submissive heart to do what you have called us to do without arguing back and forth with you. Lord, help us to be bold and humble. In Jesus name, amen!

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