“And one of them struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his right ear. But Jesus answered, “No more of this!” And he touched the man’s ear and healed him.” (Luke 22:50-51 NIV)

My son received several Lego sets for his last birthday: a boat, a race car, and a train track. My husband and I helped him build each set per the instructions. Once the sets were finished, my son proceeded to dismantle them until all the pieces were scattered everywhere. The sets were then unrecognizable. In making his own creations, he lost the original models.

In the Garden of Gethsemane, Peter rushed to rescue Jesus from being arrested by the soldiers, and in the process, cut off a servant’s ear. Peter wanted to forge his own plan of action on Christ’s behalf. He believed that he knew best, yet Jesus knew that the Father had sent Him to die for the sins of the world. Peter’s actions showed that he was distracted from God’s plan, so Jesus rebuked him. Jesus remained focused solely on His mission.

Even when I want to walk with God, I often start living by my own rules and my own desires. I think, This tactic may work for peace, or This next idea will give me purpose. When I recklessly disregard His commands, God rebukes me: “Your way is not My way.” He teaches me to seek Him while I’m in painful circumstances. He calls me to yield my stubborn will to His plan, for I cannot see the end results as He does. His original design will always be better than my cheap imitation, for with Him is love, acceptance, and grace. I achieve none of these through my meagre efforts.

As Jesus’ death opened the way to resurrection and life, so our surrender to God will give us His fullness of joy and peace in purpose. Let’s do it! Pray with me:

Prayer: Father, I acknowledge that I rush ahead of You, ignoring Your plans. Help me to trust that You are at work in my life. With You, I stay on the path of life. Thank You for Your patience with me. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Copyright © 2022, by Kathleen Dunlap <kedunlapco@gmail.com>, first published on the PresbyCan Daily Devotional presbycan.ca .
Arvada, Colorado, USA

Reprinted from PresbyCan with author’s permission