John 18:3-11 (NIV): So Judas came to the garden, guiding a detachment of soldiers and some officials from the chief priests and the Pharisees. They were carrying torches, lanterns and weapons. Jesus, knowing all that was going to happen to him, went out and asked them, “Who is it you want?” “Jesus of Nazareth,” they replied. “I am he,” Jesus said. (And Judas the traitor was standing there with them). When Jesus said, “I am he,” they drew back and fell to the ground. Again he asked them, “Who is it you want?”  “Jesus of Nazareth,” they said. Jesus answered, “I told you that I am he. If you are looking for me, then let these men go.”  This happened so that the words he had spoken would be fulfilled: “I have not lost one of those you gave me.” Then Simon Peter, who had a sword, drew it and struck the high priest’s servant, cutting off his right ear. (The servant’s name was Malchus). Jesus commanded Peter, “Put your sword away! Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?” 

Every time I read about Jesus life I can't help but be challenged. This story is amazing and it shows the unwavering commitment Jesus had to fulfill the Father's plan. Think about Jesus position here: Verse 4 says He knew the soldiers were there to take Him away to be killed. He also knew He had done nothing wrong and they had no right in God’s eyes to arrest Him. Last but not least He has a group of men who are willing to fight to save Him. If I think about myself in His position with all this information I know, I would have wanted to react very differently than Jesus did. This story can teach us many things but at the very least I think Jesus example shows us that at times, if we choose to follow the Father's Will, we will have to suffer for our faith, even if we are trying to do what’s right.

This story reminded me of another reference in James; 

James 1:2-5 (NIV): Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.

I've often thought about why James would encourage us to ask for wisdom immediately after a discussion on suffering but I think the story from John answers that perfectly. When we are going through hard times we get angry, sad, upset or just emotional in general and we can easily lose control. True wisdom, from a biblical standpoint, is knowing God's will and putting it into practice. When we are faced with a hard time, we want to take control over the situation, to blend in a metaphor from John 18, we want to swing the sword. The answer from James 1 is summed up well in Jesus words from John 18:11; "Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?”. 

One thing is for sure, if we are doing our best to live a Godly life, hard times will eventually come our way. Maybe there are some reading this who are going through a hard time right now. The bible says don't give up! Hold on to your faith and persevere through this challenge. For those of us who are not being challenged right now the message is don't get too relaxed. We need to continuously work to strengthen our faith so God's Will can be accomplished in our lives.  

May God grant us wisdom and perseverance as we strive to live for Him!

The wrong kind of passion || More

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A Special Message from DI Team on Valentine’s Day: Every day a Valentine

“Keep on loving each other as brothers and sisters” (NLT) Hebrews 13:1

The Christian concept of love is very much diametrically opposed to how the world understands love. Love, probably, is the most abused and misused word in English when measured by the Christian standard. Just examine a letter Kojo wrote to Adzo on Val’s Day, the former being a victim of unrequited love.

Adzo,

I loved you even when you didn't deserve it. I did you good but you paid me with evil. Now I have run out of patience and I'm going to show you that I can hate you with the same passion I used to love you.

So what is it that you see in that Prince guy that I don’t have? What can he give you that I can’t give you? It’s utterly senseless to ever think he’s way better than I am. You will soon realise you've been a fool choosing him over me! Very soon, he’ll jilt you like a hot cake and what a joy it will be.

When that day comes don’t ever contemplate that I’ll take you back. I am not like Hosea who paid a ransom to redeem his wife from her adulterous web. Even Jesus Christ would have given up on you, how much more me. No mercy! I'm done with you!

Yours in perpetual hatred,

Kojo

By worldly standards, Kojo has done no wrong with such ill feeling harboured against his ex-lover. But in Christ, such feeling has no justifiable grounds when 1 Corinthians 13:1-7 is applied.

The Christian love endures every circumstance, good or bad. It is an outstanding love that never runs its full course. It is a debt that runs in perpetuity, that needs to be paid every single day, not only on Valentine’s Day (Romans 13:8). If Valentine's Day was originally intended to celebrate true love then let it continue forever. Happy Val's Day precious one!