Did the Ear Shot Humble Trump?

This week the world saw images of Donald Trump’s bloodied ear, pierced by an assassin’s bullet. It reminded me of the man who lost an ear when they came to arrest Jesus.

During the arrest, the apostle Peter slices off the right ear of Malchus, the high priest’s servant. I imagine Peter (like the shooter who tried to assassinate Trump) was aiming for the head but missed. Miraculously, Jesus reattaches the severed ear.

We never hear what happened to Malchus after his encounter with Christ. One would hope he was humbled by Christ’s gracious act. He probably never touched his right ear again without remembering what Jesus did for him.

I’m praying the same for Donald Trump.

Trump said, “God alone” spared his life. I know from experience how a brush with death can humble and awaken you to a deeper awareness of God’s presence and protection over your life. I’m hoping Trump’s near-death experience will do just that.

Whatever you think of Trump or Biden, we are told to pray for our leaders. We bless them. We pray they would humble themselves and cry out to God for wisdom and grace to lead. Most of all, we pray they come to know the life changing love of Jesus.

Trump recently wrote, “I am Donald Trump and I WILL MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!” Not exactly the most humble words ever spoken. I appreciate his love for America, but Trump can never make us truly great. It’s God alone who makes people and nations great. If we want to be great (as God defines great) we must humble ourselves before Him. He exalts the humble.

No president can save a nation. It’s when we, God’s people, who are called by His name, will humble ourselves, and pray, and seek His face, and turn from our wicked ways; then will God hear from heaven, and will forgive our sin, and will heal our land. (See 2 Chronicles 7:14)

Father, help us to put aside our partisan pride and serve one another in love. Help us to view others as better than ourselves. Give grace to our leaders, that they would seek Your will and walk humbly with You.

“Godliness makes a nation great, but sin is a disgrace to any people.” Proverbs 14:34

“Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant.” Matthew‬ ‭20‬:‭26

“And pray for every political leader and representative, so that we would be able to live tranquil, undisturbed lives, as we worship the awe-inspiring God with pure hearts.” 1 Timothy‬ ‭2‬:‭2‬ ‭TPT‬‬