The Right Weapon - Peter

Simon Peter drew a sword and slashed off the right ear of Malchus, the high priest’s slave. But Jesus said to Peter, “Put your sword back into its sheath. Shall I not drink from the cup of suffering the Father has given me?”

John 18:10-11

Author Craig Brian Larson cited a National Geographic article about Alaskan bull moose, which go head-to-head in a battle for dominance during the fall mating season. A bull’s antlers are its only weapon, and they often get broken during the battle, dooming the bull to defeat. Without exception, the biggest moose, with the largest and strongest antlers, dominates.

Bull moose fight with their antlers because they have no other weapons, but when you fight spiritual battles, you have a variety of resources available. Your choice will always determine whether you win or lose.

Peter’s brashness and courage as he tried to protect Jesus by using his sword is admirable on some levels. As Peter saw it, there was nothing else he could do to keep the mob from arresting his Leader. Peter did the best he could that morning, but he went wrong by putting his confidence in his own strength and ability to get things done.

Peter’s problem wasn’t a lack of willingness to follow Jesus to the bitter end. As Jesus once put it, his spirit was willing (see Matthew 26:41). Peter’s problem was that he was fighting the battle before him with the wrong weapon.

Peter really believed that his own courage and willingness to fight would carry him and his Teacher unscathed through the night.

It didn’t turn out that way.

Peter was a strong man who meant well, but when he put his confidence in his own abilities and strength—as he often did—he fell flat on his face. Only when he received the Holy Spirit’s empowerment did he became the fearless preacher of the gospel that Jesus had called and prepared him to be.

What weapons do you use to fight your spiritual battles? Your human reasoning? Your personal strength? When you rely on God’s empowering Holy Spirit, you put yourself in a position to win every battle the devil wages against you.