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Restraint Is Not a Weakness

Jesus said, "My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jewish leaders. But now my kingdom is from another place."  John 18:36 NIV

Photo courtesy of pixabay. Journalism has long been regarded as an important force in government, so vital to the functioning of a democracy that it has been portrayed as an integral component.

Democracy requires informed citizens. No governing body can expect to operate well without knowledge of the issues on which it rules—and rule by the people means they should be informed.

The cries and yelling of the media have little or no desired fruitage. Most of us hope for good government. We vote, we serve, and we speak out for causes we believe are fair and just. But political solutions remain powerless to change the condition of our hearts.

Many of Jesus’ followers anticipated a Messiah who would bring a vigorous political response to Rome and its heavy-handed oppression. Peter was no exception. When Roman soldiers came to arrest Christ, Peter drew his sword and took a swing at the head of the high priest’s servant, lopping off his ear in the process.

Jesus halted Peter’s one-man war, saying, “Put your sword away! Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?” (John 18:11). Hours later, Jesus told Pilate, “My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jewish leaders” (v. 36).

The Lord’s restraint, as His life hung in the balance, is astonishing when we ponder the scope of His mission. On a future day, He will lead the armies of heaven into battle. John wrote, “With justice he judges and wages war” (Revelation 19:11).

As Jesus endured the ordeal of His arrest, trial, and crucifixion, He kept His Father’s will in view. By embracing death on the cross, He set in motion a chain of events that transforms hearts. And in the process, our Strong Conqueror defeated death itself.

When needed, be willing to exercise restraint and follow the voice of truth—God’s words in the Bible—even when it contradicts your personal preferences.

(Photo courtesy of pixabay.)

(For more devotions, visit Christian Devotions.)


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Ezeh Goodness

Ezeh Goodness graduated from the Department of Biochemistry, University of Nigeria. He is a journalist in a local newspaper in Nigeria. He is also a youth pastor in his local church who enjoys seeing people lead a righteous life. You can contact him at ezehgoodness@gmail.com.