Disgrace!

And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:

Ephesians 6:17

We read in Luke 22:35-38 that Christ prepared the apostles for approaching danger.
 
The Lord deals with his people in various manners.  Sometimes he causes all things to go smoothly—at other times he permits difficulties to arise.  When Jacob left his father's house, he was cheered on his way by a vision of angels, and he arrived safely at his uncle's abode; but when Joseph left his home, he was assaulted by his brethren and sold as a slave into Egypt.  The Lord knows when to appoint trials, and when to bestow prosperity.

Solomon knew this when he said, "To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven"—that is, to every purpose of God. He then enumerates various times, "a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to weep and a time to laugh" (Eccl. 3).  There were such various times in the lives of the apostles.  When their Master first sent them out to preach, he desired them to make no provision for the way.  He said, "Provide neither gold, nor silver, nor brass in your purses, nor bag for your journey" (Matthew 10:9-10).  They obeyed this command, and at the last supper they testified that they had lacked nothing during their journey.  The disciples of Jesus can always testify that their Lord has kept his promises—not one of them has ever failed, or ever will.

On this occasion the Savior gave different directions to the apostles from those he had formerly given.  He desired them to take, not only bags and purses, but even swords.  Why did he give this command?  To prepare them for the great troubles that were coming upon them.  He knew that now few would be willing to give them food, and that many would desire to take away their lives; because their Master was soon to be crucified as a criminal.  Who would favor the followers of a crucified Master?  He reminded them of these words of Isaiah 53, "He was numbered with the transgressors."  One of the trials the Savior endured was DISGRACE.  He was put to death as a wicked man, with wicked men, and in the manner in which wicked men were put to death.  The disciples of such a master ought to expect disgrace.  They should not be surprised when they are insulted, reviled, and falsely accused.

But ought they to defend themselves with the sword?  We know they ought not.  When Peter took one of these two swords and cut off the ear of the high priest's servant, his Lord rebuked him, and said, "All those who take the sword shall perish with the sword."  If Jesus had intended that his servants should fight, he would not have said that two swords were enough.  The only sword that they should use is the sword that their Master wielded when attacked by the prince of darkness in the wilderness—the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. (Eph. 6:17).

When trials come upon us, let us use that sword.  Had Peter used it in that terrible night when his Lord was condemned, he would not have denied him.  We know not what great temptations may soon assail us.  God often makes the first part of a believer's course very smooth, because he knows his weakness, and will not try him above his strength.  But an evil day will come.  How shall we stand in that day?  Not by our own strength.  We must take unto us now the whole armor of God, the bosom-plate of righteousness, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit.  When clothed in this armor, we must watch and pray, and then we shall be able to resist all the wiles of the devil. (Eph. 6:11).

~F. L. Mortimer