Put Your Sword Down

Put your sword in its place… Do you think that I cannot now pray to My Father, and He will provide Me with more than twelve legions of angels? Matthew 26:52a, 53 (NKJV)

At this time a Roman Legion consisted of 6,100 foot soldiers and 726 horsemen. That’s nearly 7,000 men! Can you imagine opening your front door to a legion of soldiers? It would be quite breath-taking to behold such an enormous force, let alone be attacked by one.

Therefore this scripture becomes quite impressive. Jesus could have snapped his fingers and the sky would have split in two, and heavenly angels would have been unleashed upon the poor enemy. And notice…not just one legion, but twelve! Eighty thousand warring angels would have lit up the night.

So, it’s not surprising that this verse was spoken to Peter, just after he unsheathed his sword. Oh bless Peter’s heart. He sure meant well. But Jesus reminds him that his sword was not necessary. Although Peter’s quick response may have been a genuine show of loyalty, it was indeed a blind convulsion of human effort.

Do you relate with Peter? At times we unsheathe our sword to rectify the situation. And the legions of heaven must let out a chuckle. They know we mean well, but if they weren’t dispatched upon the scene what difference would my measly sword make?

All it takes is for Jesus to snap His finger. But sometimes His purposes aren’t that quick and simple. Plus, He isn’t threatened by what we deem a threat. So, put your sword down, and look to Jesus for His answer and His way.

Those who live by the sword—will die by the sword