John 18:10-11 Then Simon Peter, who had a sword, struck the high priest’s slave, cutting off his right ear. But Jesus said to Peter, “Put your sword back in its sheath. Am I not to drink the cup the Father has given Me?”
The week before His crucifixion, Jesus rode into town on a lowly animal, declaring His humility. When He returns everything will be different:
“Then the heavens opened and a white horse appeared. The One riding it was called Faithful and True, and with justice He judges and wages war. His eyes are like fiery flame and on His head are many crowns. From His mouth extends a sharp sword so that with it He can strike the nations. (Rev 19:11,12,15)
I am thankful that Jesus humbled Himself to die on the cross for me, but like Peter, I want to fight with the returning King. The problem is that the King asks Peter, and every follower, to lay down their lives now and patiently wait for His triumphant return. That part, the dying to self, I am not fond of nor am I very successful at it. Yet, for now, that is what He asks us to do:
“Instead of being motivated by selfish ambition or vanity, … you should have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had, who though He existed as God, did not regard equality with God something to be used to His own advantage. For He emptied Himself, taking on the form of a slave. He looked like humans and took on the nature of mankind. Then He further humbled Himself by being obedient to the point of death – even death on the cross!” (Philippians 2:3-8)
One day He will conquer His enemies, and we will be with Him. For now, our task is to follow the humble servant on the donkey who laid down His life. This challenge is beyond my ability, so I must cry out for strength to love those who hate me and to pray for those who persecute me. He has walked this path. He knows what is required and He will supply us with the grace we need.