40 Days of Prayer – Day 23

SCS StudentDevotional Blog

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?”  Matthew 26:52-54

When someone mentions strength and courage, what’s the first thing that comes to mind? Superheroes? Soldiers? David slaying Goliath? Modern media has solidified this idea of strength and courage as a triumph over something. Every superhero movie has the protagonist defeating the forces of evil, their strength, courage, and bravery ultimately giving them the victory. However, being strong and courageous can also mean not attacking or fighting. The most difficult (and often most overlooked) courage and strength is meekness. 

In the Garden, Jesus could have defended himself from those who came to arrest him, especially considering that he knew what was going to happen to him. When faced with torture and excruciating death, most of us would use anything we had at our disposal to get away. Jesus, on the other hand, meekly accepted his capture, abuse, and eventual death, although he had ample means to escape and not drink from the “bitter cup”.  

Christians often think of themselves as clad in the armor of God, on the frontlines of the battle against the forces of evil, fighting back the demons of our carnal nature, fighting towards an eventual victory. How often do we neglect what Jesus taught? “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.” This simple truth is indicative of God’s “upside-down kingdom”. “So the last shall be first, and the first last.” The greatest strength and courage is in meekness, acknowledging our insufficiency, and yielding to God.

Junior Jeremiah Jepson

Prayer Focus:

  • SCS Athletics Program Directors, Coaches, Teams & Families:  Andy Harrel, Linnea Wolf
  • Choir Concert tonight!
  • Confess those times when you seek security in something other than Jesus.
  • I Corinthians 10:31:  So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.