Bible Reading: John 18:1-11
Happy Leap Day!
Leap Day, according to Wikipedia, is an “additional day…added to keep the calendar year synchronized with the astronomical or seasonal year.”
While leaping time is good and keeps our calendar consistent with the seasons, leaping isn’t always good. For example, look at Peter, who leaped before he looked.
Judas had betrayed Jesus, the priests had sent men to arrest Jesus, and Peter leaped into action. John 18:10 says, “Then Simon Peter, who had a sword, drew it and struck the high priest's servant, cutting off his right ear.”
Why did Peter react as he did to the officials’ approach? Why did he resort to violence and cut off the servant’s ear?
He was probably afraid. He had stopped looking at the Lord and started looking at the people and the situation around him. When Peter changed his focus, his thoughts changed, too. He was no longer thinking of God and looking to God for guidance. He had become distracted and forgot to trust God to handle the situation. Simply put, Peter forgot to pray before he acted.
Do you, like Peter tend to “leap before you look”? Remember to slow down and pray before you take any action. That will help prevent regrettable actions.
Enjoy the rest of your Leap Day!
“A simple man believes anything, but a prudent man gives thought to his steps.” Proverbs 14:15
Prayer: Heavenly Father, help me to look before I leap. Help me to think and pray before I act. In Jesus’ name. Amen.