GOD IS ABLE - 11. Asking for angels

~ Jesus said: "Do you think that I cannot now pray to My Father, and He will provide Me with more than twelve legions of angels?" -Matthew 26:53

This scene comes just moments after yesterday's passage. As Jesus walked out of the garden where He was praying, a crowd came with swords and clubs to arrest Him. They were led by Judas, the false disciple who betrayed the Lord for 30 pieces of silver.

As the crowd came closer, the disciple Peter swung a sword and chopped off someone's ear. Earlier Peter had slept during the Lord's time of prayer, and as a result his aggressive actions with the sword were misguided. Jesus told him to put his sword away, then added the words we have here: "Do you think I am not able to ask God my Father for a host of angels?"

Asking, "Do you think I'm not able?" is the same as declaring, "I am able!" Jesus said He could have asked for more than 12 legions of angels. With the typical Roman legion numbering 6,000 to 6,800 soldiers, this means more than 75,000 angels could have been summoned instantly to help Him.

There was an occasion in the Old Testament when just one angel helped Israel in battle by killing 185,000 enemy soldiers.  Clearly, with that kind of power, twelve legions of angels were not even necessary!

And yet, He did not call for even one angel. Why? It's because the way of suffering was going to accomplish far more.

When we ask God to use His power, He may choose instead to withhold it. But it is plain that His power is never inadequate! In such a case, then, it must be that He has a different plan.  He is never at a loss, never confused, and never taken by surprise.  Therefore, if we are not protected from suffering, we can trust that God will accomplish something great as we go through it.