Sep 26 – Stop Right There!

“Put your sword back in its place” (Luke 22:51).

“Stop right there!”—this is the loving command of our Lord Jesus Christ. Looking at Peter who had drawn his sword and others nearby, Jesus said, “Put your sword back in its place.” Stop taking matters into your own hands, stop causing harm, and stop acting without mercy—this is His appeal.

Many people instinctively take justice into their own hands. They wield their “swords” in anger, pride, or revenge, ignoring God’s timing and authority. God says, “Stop right there.”

When you fight your own battles, God remains still. But when you yield your responsibilities and struggles to Him, surrendering your efforts to His hands, He fights in the best possible way and grants you victory.

Moses declared, “The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still” (Exodus 14:14). If until now you have carried your own sword—harbouring anger, resentment, or bitterness—God lovingly says, “Stop right there.”

Consider Balaam’s donkey. Balaam’s anger could not control the donkey, and he struck it repeatedly. Yet God intervened through the donkey to open Balaam’s eyes. The donkey spoke, revealing Balaam’s folly. Even when that happened, Balaam did not realise the wonder of a donkey speaking to him. He was also unaware that an angel of the Lord was standing in front of him, to restrain him.

Many try to fight or enforce their own justice without perceiving God’s intervention. God says to us today: Stop taking matters into your hands. Stop wielding your sword. Stop living in sin and self-righteousness.

Surrender to Him. Let your soul rest in God, and let Him be your defender.

Verse for further meditation: “My soul rests in God alone; from Him comes my salvation. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be greatly shaken.” (Psalm 62:1-2)