When 500 battle ready Roman soldiers journeyed from the Antonia fortress to arrest One praying Jewish Rabbi who was accompanied by 11 sleeping disciples and 1 betraying disciple they said we come seeking JESUS of Nazareth to which JESUS responded, “I am He!” Right after JESUS confirmed His identity the very same 500 suited for battle Roman soldiers drew back and literally fell to the ground (John 18:6)!
Did you catch that?! 👀
The Bible doesn’t tell us why this happend, but perhaps the righteousness produced by JESUS’ undeniable majesty of His person and by His response which to Jewish ears conveyed the unutterable name, JEHOVAH (I AM) cause these men to drew back and fell to their knees. Another thought perhaps is their guilt echoed and trembled before the calmness of His undeniable innocence!
All I know is these men came to take JESUS by force, but conscience paralyses set in on their ill intentions, and they had no other choice than to fall and lay helpless before a righteous and just JESUS!
That being said, those soldiers didn’t take JESUS by force because they obviously had no authority to do so. Not to mention in John 10:18 JESUS made this powerful declaration prior to His arrest; “No one can take my life from me. I sacrifice it voluntarily. For I have the authority to lay it down when I want to and also to take it up again. For this is what my Father has commanded.”
I don’t know who this message is for today, but I do know this message hits my present situation at the center! You may be asking JESUS who is with “me” in “my” present battle and JESUS is saying, “I AM HE!” Beloved of God, trust me when I say, whatever is in front of that declaration will have to draw back and fall in the presence of a Holy and righteous in every way God!
Hallelujah and glory to God; anything that stands before “I AM” will bow and that’s not limited to grief, pain, brokenness, uncertainty, lack, discouragement, depression, betrayal, burdens, debts, marital tension, conflict, disappointment, familial tension, hardships of all kinds, illnesses of all kinds, death, worry, anxiety, division of all kinds, and political/social unrest (Isaiah 46:4).
I can keep going but I need somebody to please join me in giving the great “I AM” the praise, glory, and honor He rightfully and unequivocally deserves!!
4GIVEN 