Simon Peter, who had a sword, drew it and struck the high priest’s servant, cutting off his right ear. Jesus commanded Peter, “Put your sword away! Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?” (John 18:10–11, NIV 1984).
My Musings – Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve disciples, who betrayed Jesus led “a detachment of soldiers and some officials from the chief priests and Pharisees. They were carrying torches, lanterns and weapons,” (John 18:3, NIV 1984), to arrest Jesus under the cover of darkness and away from the crowds.
As far a we know, Peter’s actions were the only signs of resistance. But “Jesus commanded Peter, ‘Put your sword away! Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?'” Although earlier He had prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will,” (Matthew 26:39, NIV 1984), He was, nevertheless, submissive to the Father’s will. Thankfully, for us.
“This is what your Sovereign Lord says, your God, who defends his people: ‘See, I have taken out of your hand the cup that made you stagger; from that cup, the goblet of my wrath, you will never drink again.'” (Isaiah 51:22, NIV 1984). This is a promise not only to the people of Jerusalem in the days of Isaiah, but to all who put their faith in Jesus Christ. He drank the cup of God’s wrath on our behalf. “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.” (Luke 22:20, NIV 1984). May we never forget.
My Advice – Before our time on earth is done, we do not know what cup we will have to drink of on behalf of the Kingdom. But it will not be the cup of God’s wrath. For this very reason when our “cup” is placed before us, may we be as willing as Jesus to say, “Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.”
The Brew Is A Musing 