Author: Dave Dishman (Page 74 of 414)

Jesus’ last recorded miracle before the resurrection involved re-attaching the ear of one of his attackers. It happened right after that devious kiss from Judas:

When Jesus’ followers saw what was going to happen, they said, “Lord, should we strike with our swords?” And one of them struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear. But Jesus answered, “No more of this!” And he touched the man’s ear and healed him.

We learn from the Gospel of John that the servant’s name was Malchus, and the man swinging the sword was Peter (the most impetuous disciple). Jesus, however, rebuked the violence and healed the ear.

I wonder how many people noticed? The disciples certainly did, as well as Malchus. Still, the authorities arrested Jesus despite his many miracles. But what did Malchus think as they led Jesus away?

Jesus healed a man who came to do him violence. No faith or even goodwill existed in the heart of Malchus. Jesus demonstrated love toward his attacker and provided yet another transformative example for his disciples. Jesus didn’t need defending by sword-slashing fishermen (he could have called down legions of angels), but Jesus did need to go to the cross. And so he did.

Jesus went to the cross for his followers, Jesus went to the cross for Malchus, and Jesus went to the cross for you and me. Nothing could stop him.

But I still wonder about that man following the crowd, gingerly touching his intact ear caked with blood? Some think he later became a follower of Jesus, since he’s mentioned by name in the New Testament. Unfortunately, we just don’t know.

I hoped he lived a long life, telling the story of that night to his children and grandchildren, and letting them tug on that ear healed by the miracle-worker from Nazareth.

Luke 22 in Through the Bible in 2024

Photo by Damon Hall

An ancient writer asked this question: What shall I return to the Lord for all his goodness to me?

His answer? Worship, commitment, and faithfulness.

He wrote, Truly I am your servant, Lord, I serve you just as my mother did; you have freed me from my chains.

It’s popular to speak of throwing off the shackles of whatever keeps us down. For many, religion forms those chains, and empty religiosity indeed ties one up in knots. But here the writer keeps his pen centered on the Lord, not the business of religion or those who manipulate religion for their own gain.

When we focus on the Lord, we discern his goodness with slowly emerging clarity. Indeed, committing to God and his words frees us in ways rejecting him never will.

Turn to the Lord and let the chains slip away.

Psalm 116 in Through the Bible in 2024

Photo by Anastase Maragos

As a kid I was told to keep my promises, and as a parent I passed along the same instructions. When my wife and I married we exchanged vows, pledging ourselves to a lifetime of commitment, and by the grace of God we’ve managed to follow through. But it’s not always easy.

David asked this rhetorical question: Lord, who may dwell in your sacred tent? Who may live on your holy mountain?

David lists several attributes of one who walks blamelessly with the Lord. A man or woman who utters neither slander nor slur (even on social media), speaks the truth, despises the vile and honors the holy. This person lends generously and keeps an oath even when it hurts.

There it is—keep your promises. When I look someone in the eye and say I’ll do it, then I’m on the hook. It’s one thing when a person talks you into something and you go along half-heartedly, but here David points to a commitment made of my own free will. Which should give pause before making a rash promise.

Keeping an oath even when it hurts involves honor. If I said I’ll show up, then I arrive on time and ready to go. If I’ve pledged to give, I follow through even if it tugs at my wallet. Integrity and honesty are at stake, as well as my reputation before God and man.

Psalm 15 in Through the Bible in 2024

Photo by rupixen

We can’t count on many things to last and last. Even the earth and sky will eventually wear out. Jesus pointed around him and said, Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.

Jesus knew something about the heavens and the earth, as he was present when they sprung into being. In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. When Jesus speaks, worlds form, and when Jesus predicts, better pay attention.

Everything I touch today formed as a result of the Creator’s spoken word. The journal I write in, the keys on my computer, the yogurt I’ll enjoy for breakfast. All fashioned from our physical world, launched from God’s focused speech.

From Luke we learn that even though this natural world will pass, the words of Jesus will remain. He spoke worlds into existence, now let him speak eternal wisdom into our hearts.

Real estate often makes for a wise investment. As is said, invest in land, they ain’t making any more. But even better is investing time and energy into the words of Jesus. His teachings are fresh—living and active—and solid.

And they ain’t goin’ nowhere.

Luke 21 in Through the Bible in 2024

Photo by Qingbao Meng