September 17, 2024 Daily Dose of Discernment

At first his disciples did not understand all this. Only after Jesus was glorified did they realize that these things had been written about Him. (John 12:16)

What didn't Jesus’ disciples understand at first and then did after He was raised to glory? One, their Messiah entering into Jerusalem, the seat of political power, not on a warhorse and flanked by a formidable entourage of veteran soldiers armed to the teeth like Pontius Pilate did a few days prior, but on a puny little beast of burden and hailed by peasants and the dregs of society. And two, His way of subverting injustice and oppression.

True and lasting victory against evil is attained not by the sword or by superior firepower, but by active participation in the way of Jesus. It's not by might nor power but by His Spirit who arms us with otherworldly weapons of warfare - humility, mercy, forgiveness, faith, hope and love - for the destruction of strongholds and the triumph of peace.