(Read John 18 First)
Circumstances are dire. The evil of this world has finally caught up to Jesus in chapter 18. In a sweeping act, he is betrayed, arrested, denied, and struck by the same people he came to save. Yet somehow the reader doesn’t get the sense that he is panicked. In fact, he is extremely calm for a man who is losing everything. Somehow, all of this tragedy is playing out in triumph. Notice how our Lord doesn’t excuse or defend his actions. He is silent when he has the authority to set the record straight. What kind of humility is this? No Facebook posts, no gossiping, no plotting against the government but simply an innocent man who knows who he is and that the engine of his story is propelled by tragedy – a glorious tragedy.
Christ doesn’t care about your circumstances as much as your character
Oh may we find ourselves here when we are faced with such conflict. May in the shadows of our struggles we show the true nature of our Lord who met retaliation with redemption. We have no control over what happens to us, but we do have tremendous control in our response. Respond well to the trials and temptations of today saint.
Pray: May your spirit equip us today to respond well. You are patient, merciful and unwavering in your response. Lord, I fear that we aren’t defined by these words at all. Yet, through you working through us, we can react in your character. Father, we are so dependent on you for our daily needs. Our life falls apart without you. Move Lord. Be present and lifted up in our everyday. Amen
Matt simon blog 