Daily Devotional
Wrong Weapon. Wrong Strength. Wrong Attitude.
“When those around Him saw what was going to happen, they said to Him, ‘Lord, shall we strike with the sword?’ And one of them struck the servant of the high priest and cut off his right ear. But Jesus answered and said, ‘Permit even this.’ And He touched his ear and healed him.”
Luke 22:49-51
November 22, 2025
Ponder This
When Peter got angry in the Garden of Gethsemane:
He used the wrong weapon: a sword. Ephesians 6:12 says we do not wrestle against flesh and blood. Peter, using that sword, made a miserable mess. Later, on the day of Pentecost, filled with the Holy Spirit, he used the two-edged sword of God's Word, quick and powerful. Three thousand were not killed; they were made alive with the sword of the Spirit.
He used the wrong strength. He was in the flesh. He was sleeping when he should have been praying. And waking up in the flesh, with zeal, he messed things up.
And he had the wrong attitude. He was mad. Can you imagine this guy going around without one ear, and somebody asks, “What happened to your ear?” He tells them a hot-headed Christian cut it off. What kind of testimony is that for the Lord Jesus Christ? The wrath of Man does not work the righteousness of God.
Someone described a zealot as someone who, having lost sight of his goal, doubles his speed. God has not come so that we can be angry people who insist on our way. He has purified us to be His own special people, zealous for good works.
- When have you felt like you needed to defend your faith? How did you handle the situation? Did it reflect Christ? Why or why not?
- When are you most prone to get zealous and lose sight of how to reflect Christ? What is most challenging about those situations?
Practice This
Consider a time you recently were caught up in your emotions and failed to reflect Christ. Pray and confess that to God and ask for forgiveness.
For Your Gift to the Ministry
Calling God's Name Book
A 30-day devotional study of the names of God in Scripture. Each day uncovers another facet of who God is, with Scripture, reflection, and practical application to help you know Him and respond to Him in faith.
