Dear Explorer,
Read Matthew 26:47-50
And
Read Mark 14:43-46
and
Read Luke 22:47-48
And
Read John 18:2-9
Don't miss John 18:6. When Jesus said "I AM" the soldiers and all the others drew back and fell to the ground. Don't miss the power here. Don't miss what really happened. Men didn't come and overpower Jesus and capture him like a common criminal. Jesus was totally in control.
John 18:3 says that Judas came with a detachment, band or cohort of soldiers. That would be from 300 to 600 armed soldiers. Then there were all the officers from the chief priests -- probably also armed and then there were a group of Pharisees, probably not armed, and Judas. Against them stood Jesus and 11 men plus other disciples that came with them to pray. They only wanted one. That's a lot of manpower. Yet when Jesus said, "I am," they all drew back and fell to the ground. Why?
When does a soldier "hit the ground"?
Only when he's been defeated and out-powered, right? Even the trained soldiers could not stand before the simple words of Almighty God. That's power!
Let's look at these words, "I AM". Here we see Moses talking with God.
Then Moses said to God, 'Suppose I go to the Israelites, and say to them, 'The God of your fathers has sent me to you,' and they ask me, 'What is His name?' Then what shall I tell them?" God said to Moses, "I AM WHO I AM." This is what you are to say to the Israelites: 'I AM has sent me to you.' Exodus 3:13-14 NIV
When Jesus said, "I AM" (the "He" has been added for clarity) the power of His voice leveled 300-600 armed soldiers. Don't miss this!
We're told in Philippians 2:10-11 NIV, “That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”
We're told in 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 that at the end of time, Jesus will descend from Heaven with a shout -- I wonder if He will simply say, "I AM"! Those who are followers of Jesus will immediately go to meet him in the air. Super cool!
Jesus is God Almighty. He is the great I AM. He is worthy of your worship and allegiance -- today. It's way too easy to fall into the lethargy of seeing Jesus as "Gentle Jesus, Meek and Mild" and forget that He is Almighty God, Maker of Heaven and Earth, Ruler of the Universe.
As you spend a few minutes in worship, acknowledge His great power and might. Bow your knee to Him and worship.
In His service, dale
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