Here we read about a man being dismembered by one of Jesus’ disciples! Jesus' response reminds me how important the message of reconciliation is throughout scripture. In this passage, Peter is outraged by Jesus’ arrest and in a fit of protest cuts off one of His captor’s ears. What I find amazing is that instead of collaborating with Peter in righteous indignation, Jesus touches the man’s ear and this ‘member’ that was cut off is restored! What an expression of Christ’s desire for healing and wholeness.
This is in sharp contrast to the typical reaction of being wronged. When angry, it seems to be human nature to want to retaliate. Often this is expressed in a ‘cutting off’, whether it is disconnecting with a part of ourselves or with another member of the body of Christ.
From this perspective, let me ask you a question. What aspect of yourself are you most angry at? For women, it is often a body part, such as their stomach or thighs, for not being model-perfect. With men, many feel anger when the vulnerable part of their soul catches them off guard; for example, when their sensitive, emotional side is unexpectedly revealed. It doesn't matter what gender you are – what you judge, you separate from. In order to heal, there must be a rejoining. To be whole again, you need to reconnect with that part and practice radical acceptance.
Here is a related question. From whom have you severed a relationship? Sadly, many people are cut off not only from a part of themselves, but from other members of the body of Christ. In Him there is the mystery of oneness.... even though we are individuals... together we are members of His body. (1 Corinthians 12:26-27) Therefore, if you are cut off from a member, the whole body suffers, just as this man must have been in agony until his ear was reattached.
Jesus beautifully demonstrates that He is a God of reconciliation. Reconciliation comes from the Latin word –reconciliatio- meaning "a re-establishing, reinstatement, restoration, renewal, a reconciling". Do you have any broken relationships in your life that need to be reconciled? If you have been dis-membered from a part of you or from someone else, I invite you to use this Easter Season as an opportunity to do whatever you can to restore wholeness.
Father God, thank you for the end of estrangement between You and me as a result of Christ’s redemptive life, death, and resurrection. I ask that You would touch my heart in a way that heals any "cutting off" between parts of myself or from others. I am grateful that You want “No more of this!”... You have forgiven me so I can in turn forgive and be reconciled. In Jesus Name I pray, Amen.
(This blog was inspired by a message I heard from my pastor Travis Hearn at Impact Church.)
Until next time~ Blessings,
Deb