Tag: none lost
Scripture must be fulfilled
Scripture reading for August 3rd: Matthew 26
Key Scriptures: Matthew 26:49-56 “And he (Judas) came up to Jesus at once and said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” And he kissed Him. Jesus said to him, “Friend, do what you came to do.” Then they came up and laid hands on Jesus and seized Him. And behold, one of those who were with Jesus stretched out his hand and drew his sword and struck the servant of the high priest and cut off his ear. Then Jesus said to him, “Put your sword back into its place. For all who take the sword will perish by the sword. Do you think that I cannot appeal to My Father, and He will at once send Me more than twelve legions of angels? But how then should the Scriptures be fulfilled that it must be so?” At that hour Jesus said to the crowds, “Have you come out as against a robber, with swords and clubs to capture Me? Day after day I sat in the temple teaching, and you did not seize Me. But all this has taken place that the Scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled.” Then all the disciples left Him and fled.”
Judas had arranged to lead the temple guards and high priest’s servants to where he knew Jesus would be praying with His disciples. He came early in the morning and greeted Jesus with a kiss, betraying his Friend as Scripture pronounced. (Psalm 41:9) Peter drew his sword and struck the high priest’s servant, cutting off his ear but Jesus quickly told him to put the sword away. Jesus had power to bring angelic help, but Scripture must be fulfilled (Isaiah 53 and many others). Jesus healed the ear and questioned the crowd about their motive for being there in the dark of night. He had publicly taught in temple each day. But again, scripture must be fulfilled through the events taking place leading up to the trial and crucifixion of Jesus, Son of God and King of the Jews. At this point, all the disciples fled, following Jesus telling those laying hands on Him to let them go! Jesus was in charge and God’s Word would be fulfilled to the last letter!
Luke 22:50-51 “And one of them struck the servant of the high priest and cut off his right ear. But Jesus said, “No more of this!” And He touched his ear and healed him.”
Faith confession and prayer: Father, thank You for Scripture and its sure fulfilment. Thank You that Jesus did not call to You for help, but allowed Himself to be seized and tried and crucified, according to Your Word and plan. Thank You for mercy towards Your accusers and betrayers and protection for Your faithful disciples. Help me to follow Your amazing example and be filled daily with Your Holy Spirit.
John 18:7-9 “So He asked them again, “Whom do you seek?” And they said, “Jesus of Nazareth.” Jesus answered, “I told you that I am He. So, if you seek Me, let these men go.” This was to fulfil the Word that He had spoken: “Of those whom You gave Me I have lost not one.””
“Let these men go.”
Scripture reading for November 16th: Daniel 4-6; John 18
Key Scriptures: John 18:4-9 “Then Jesus, knowing all that would happen to Him, came forward and said to them, “Whom do you seek?” They answered Him, “Jesus of Nazareth.” Jesus said to them, “I am He.” Judas, who betrayed Him, was standing with them. When Jesus said to them, “I am He,” they drew back and fell to the ground. So He asked them again, “Whom do you seek?” And they said, “Jesus of Nazareth.” Jesus answered, “I told you that I am He. So, if you seek Me, let these men go.” This was to fulfill the Word that He had spoke: “Of those whom You gave Me I have lost not one.””
Jesus had promised His disciples His peace in the Upper Room. He prayed for their protection to the Father, stating that He had kept all whom the Father had given Him, except for Judas. Now, after a night of agonizing prayer, the betrayal was accomplished. Jesus was confronted by armed soldiers and representatives of the Jews coming to arrest Him. He identified Himself after the kiss of Judas. This brought a wave of power that knocked down Judas and the armed band. When they got back up, Jesus told the men that He was the One they sought and commanded them to let His disciples go. The ‘Prisoner’ was in total command!
Faith confession and prayer: Lord Jesus, I am thankful that You have total understanding of each trial and circumstance in my life. Thank You for protecting Your people by Your Word and Presence! O King Jesus, live forever!
Daniel 6:20-21 “As he (King Darius) came near to the den where Daniel was, he cried out in a tone of anguish. The king declared to Daniel, “O Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God, Whom you serve continually, been able to deliver you from the lions?” then Daniel said to the king, “O king, live forever! My God sent His angel and shut the lions’ mouths, and they have not harmed me, because I was found blameless before Him; and also before you, O king, I have done no harm.””