2/10

Mark 14:27

²⁷And Jesus said to them, "You will all fall away, for it is written, 'I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered.'"

Jesus knew this Scripture applied to Him. If it was written, then it would come to pass. He had complete trust in the Word of God. It was surer than the sun rising in the morning. Jesus is the Great Shepherd and we are the sheep of His pasture (Psalm 100:3). He would be stricken, and His disciples would forsake Him for a time.

The chapter from which Jesus quoted, Zechariah 13, reads like an end-time passage, and I believe that is what it is. But Jesus discerned by the Holy Spirit that this particular verse would have an intermediate fulfillment that week. The Word of God can speak to us by the power of the Holy Spirit. A phrase can jump out of a text and address our situation. That is especially true when we saturate our minds with the Word.

This comment from Jesus to the disciples did not change what they would do. It did tell them that Jesus knew in advance what was coming. He was assuring them that things had to play out in this way. It would look like everything was out of control and even appear as if God was defeated. But the events were going according to God's plan.

There are times in our lives when we will hear a warning from God. We may discern what appears to be defeat coming like an unstoppable tidal wave. The advance warning of the Lord is to assure us that all is in His hands. The only thing that is really unstoppable is the ultimate will of God. His will is your sanctification and transformation into the image of His Son (1Thessalonians 4:3; Romans 8:29). Stand firm, don't fear, be silent, and watch what God does in the end (Exodus 14:13-14).

Remember: In the final analysis, all things work together for the good of those whom God has chosen (Romans 8:28). Hold on and trust the One who has all power.