I think that all would agree that times are becoming more and more dangerous. Some call guns evil and wish to remove them and others acquire them for protection. It is not evil to protect people and yourself from a crazed assassin. It is with this thinking that I attempt to understand this passage of scripture where Jesus just before he was to go to the cross gives instructions to his disciples.
Luk 22:35 And he said unto them, When I sent you without purse, and scrip, and shoes, lacked ye any thing? And they said, Nothing.
Luk 22:36 Then said he unto them, But now, he that hath a purse, let him take it, and likewise his scrip: and he that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one.
Luk 22:37 For I say unto you, that this that is written must yet be accomplished in me, And he was reckoned among the transgressors: for the things concerning me have an end.
Luk 22:38 And they said, Lord, behold, here are two swords. And he said unto them, It is enough.
I was taught that the two swords mentioned were not literal swords, but were spiritually speaking; the sword of the word of God and the Spirit of God. These are powerful, but the reading in context refers to actual objects to use on a journey. They were to take a purse, a money pouch, also his scrip, a leather pouch for food and if they had no sword they were to buy one by selling his garment or cloak. That would be eleven swords for the eleven disciples, but they had two swords and Jesus said it was enough. I see the swords as protection in a time of hostility. Before they were to take nothing, now they were to supply themselves with money, food and a sword.
Not too long after saying this Jesus was betrayed by Judas with a kiss and a multitude was with him to take Jesus under arrest to the high priests house. Peter with a sword cut the ear off of one of the servants and Jesus touched the ear and healed it. It was not meant that Jesus be protected or prevented from fulfilling his purpose as our sacrifice for sins. We remember what he spoke to Peter.
"Mat 26:52 Then said Jesus unto him, Put up again thy sword into his place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword.
Mat 26:53 Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels?
Mat 26:54 But how then shall the scriptures be fulfilled, that thus it must be?"
Jesus has chosen to die for our sins, it was why he came to us. However, in perilous times it is wise to be prepared and armed in self defense. One may look to the tiny country of Israel as an example of the need for weapons for defense. They are surrounded by enemy nations. The LORD protects Israel and Israel does their part by weaponizing for self defense. Unfortunately churches and synagogues are being attacked by devil driven people. A shepherd of a flock should guard his sheep against these intruders. Our church has watchmen who guard over the congregation. Some have concealed weapons only to be used as a deterrent to violence. Our strongest weapons are the word of God, the Holy Spirit and prayers. Unfortunately there is also a need for watchmen to be aware both in prayer and as guards.
No comments:
Post a Comment