Ignorance Aint Bliss

Wk 37 Day 7

John 18:10-11 (NLT)
¹⁰ Then Simon Peter drew a sword and slashed off the right ear of Malchus, the high priest’s slave. ¹¹ But Jesus said to Peter, “Put your sword back into its sheath. Shall I not drink from the cup of suffering the Father has given me?”

SIMON PETER:
.. pretty much acted in fear and defense against Jesus
.. he was trying to stop the arrest (because he didn't really understand it at that point, perhaps)

// sometimes the will of God (specific leading and guidance to specific situations) in our lives are prevented or stopped from us, acting in fear and defense against the "troubles" and the "arrests" that we face in life.

JESUS:
.. knew exactly that this was going to happen because He knew the will of God - He knew the truth - the Word (17:17b)
.. prepared Himself for this moment - drinking the cup the Father has given Him
.. he rebuked Peter for cutting the servant's ear because it was perhaps, an act of ignorance to what was going on and could've prevented the arrest if other things happened - rioting against the soldiers with the other disciples, etc (just a thought)

// we need to know more about the Word of God - the truth; finding out what the will of God is in situations in our lives. With this, we will understand what's going on - that suffering and pain will be part of life in order for God's work to manifest (in this case, the salvation of mankind in Jesus' shoes). We need to prepare and in fact, anticipate that these things will happen - suffering, so that we may also rejoice in Him in due time.

BELLE:
.. I am just like Peter many times - preventing the will of God to happen and manifest because of fear and ignorance of His purpose in specific situations in my life
.. I need to get to know God more and more - beyond what little thing I have learned in this life about Him, that I may act appropriately toward the pain and suffering that life brings
.. I will accept the fact that pain and suffering is evident in life and I must anticipate them - however, to anticipate them in such a way that I am also looking forward to the glory that God is going to bring Himself in due time

Here's comfort: "In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world!" -Jesus (16:33b)

// OH God of the heavens! You are amazingly wonderful. I can't begin to comprehend your greatness. Reading these passages make realize more and more my nothingness. I do not know much yet about Your Word! I have more to learn, to eat, and to apply. I want to know YOU more and more! As you said that You will reveal to those who seek, HERE I AM seeking for YOU and the things that bring glory to You! I die to myself - please help me. I cannot do this alone. I need You! Thank you for giving me transcending peace because You promised and made a covenant that you are my Jehovah-Shalom! I can't ask for anything more. YOU ARE GREAT! Thank you for the trials and sufferings that makes me rely on Your power more and more. In Jesus' name, amen.