Day 20: 31 Days of Prayer

Day 20: 31 Days of Prayer

Verse:

But Jesus said to him, "Friend, is that why you have come?" Then they came forward, seized Jesus, and arrested Him. But one of those who were with Jesus stretched out his hand, drew his sword, and struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear. Then Jesus said to him: "Put your sword back into its sheath, for all who use the sword will perish by the sword. Or do you think that I cannot call on My Father, and He would at once send more than twelve legions of angels to help Me? If so, how then would the Scriptures be fulfilled which say that it must happen this way?"  (Matthew 26:50-54 - TB)

Reflection:

Today, the prayer of Jesus (the Lord) teaches His disciple (Peter) to put away his sword. On the other hand, Peter received an answer to prayer that he did not expect, and Peter needed to be reminded of how extraordinary the power of Jesus is. Jesus could have sent thousands upon thousands of angels to destroy the universe, but He remained calm and restrained Himself when He was arrested until His very last breath. The Lion of Judah is not a house cat. When we pray, do we forget the power of the One to whom we pray? Do we forget His strength and firmness, and how He is able to change the life we live? The Lord has control over what He wants to control. “Our God is in heaven; He does whatever pleases Him!” - Psalm 115:3 I would rather serve the Lord who is able to do whatever He wants whenever and wherever He wants, He who chose to love me and die for me, than serve a lord who was defeated by men and by death. No, the Lion of Judah defeated death, and He erased the slavery of sin in the lives of those who love Him. When Peter drew his sword, he thought he was doing the right thing, that he was helping Jesus. Sometimes in our lives, we try to take advantage of critical situations, convincing ourselves that God needs “help” in many ways. God never needs our help. When we are given responsibility by Him, it is because we have been given the privilege by God to take part in His great plan of salvation for all nations. Let us remember the God we worship and the power He possesses.

Challenge:

Pray about all things that are under God’s control and surrender your life back to Him, especially the areas where you feel burdened or anxious. Yield to Him and assure yourself that the King of all kings, the Lord of all lords, the Lion of Judah, has already taken control and won the battle.

Translated from the article “31 Days of Prayer: Day 20” by Daniel Berk