Trying Times

Introduction

In his work, The Crisis, Thomas Paine wrote the following:

“These are the times that try men’s souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands by it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman. Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly: it is dearness only that gives every thing its value. Heaven knows how to put a proper price upon its goods; and it would be strange indeed if so celestial an article as freedom should not be highly rated...”

It seems like an understatement to say we live in trying times. Not the most trying times that a people have ever lived through, but trying for us nonetheless.

Inflation is at it’s highest level since August 1982;

Average gas prices rose by 11 cents in one day between Thursday and Friday;

There are sharp divisions within our country unlike most of us have seen in our lifetime;

War has come to the European continent that threatens to be like nothing we’ve seen since World War II;

As one commentator put it well recently when he said that, when it comes to our political leaders, we have to choose between evil and stupid.

And, when it comes to the church, we are experiencing an ever declining influence in people’s lives and throughout the culture; a massive decline in Gospel-centered churches; and an increasing juvenilization of the Christian faith focused more on felt needs and wants of people then on developing a robust biblical worldview.

And all of this only skims the surface. Truly, these are times that try our souls!

But, as believers, we are warned over and over again that trying times will come throughout this life until that glorious day when we are face-to-face with our Lord in Heaven.

So the question isn’t what can we do to fix these issues (I’m not sure all of them are “fixable”). The question is, how does Jesus prepare His followers for trying times?

Body: Luke 22:31-38

Verse 31-32

“Simon, Simon...”

It is possible that Simon Peter was part of the discussion about who was the greatest.

Notice that Jesus doesn't use the name He gave him (Peter), but Simon.

“...Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat...”

The term "you" is plural. So, while Jesus is specifically addressing Peter, there are implications for all the disciples.

Sifting like wheat means that Peter will be severely tested.

Sifting = Shaking violently to separate the wheat from the chaff.

Satan wants to shake Peter (and the other disciples) faith, in hopes of destroying their faith.

Notice, Satan is not all powerful. He cannot do anything to God's people without God allowing it.

Why would God allow it?

Because God takes that which Satan meant for evil and can bring about good in our lives and, more important, for His great purposes.

“...but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail...”

The most powerful statement of this passage! It shows that Jesus is the compassionate intercessor for His people.

And, Jesus made intercession for Peter, even though He knew Peter would deny Him.

Jesus prayer was that Peter would not ultimately fail. While Peter would experience a temporary failure in his faith, ultimately Peter's loyalty to Jesus would still be there.

And make no mistake about it: It was Jesus prayer that kept Peter from completely failing.

“And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.”

Knowing the Peter will temporarily fail, Jesus gives him directions on what to do after he is renewed. Peter is to give strength to the other disciples, who will also be hurting and will need leadership.

Verses 33

Peter's boast comes from a heart that believed that by his own strength he could do this.

I think most of us in Peter’s position would feel the same!

Verses 34

Yet, Jesus shares a hard truth with Peter: he's not as strong as he thinks he is.

In fact, Peter will be so shaken that in just a few hours he would even deny knowing Jesus, much less being his follower.

Verse 35

“When I sent you out with no moneybag or knapsack or sandals, did you lack anything?”

One of the more confusing passages in the NT.

Jesus refers to sending out the disciples in Luke 9 & 10.

He begins by reminding them of this experience, how God provided for their needs.

“Nothing.”

God provided through the hospitality of people, who at that point were open to the ministry and message of Jesus.

Verses 36-37

“But now let the one who has a moneybag take it, and likewise a knapsack.”

However, now things were about to change. It wasn't that God would no longer provide for them, but many people were going to show them hatred because of Jesus, not hospitality.

Thus, they needed to be prepared.

Faith in God's provision and common sense aren't mutually exclusive...

“And let the one who has no sword sell his cloak and buy one.”

This is the confusing part, because why would Jesus tell them to buy a sword?

Revolutionaries? No.

Preparing them for persecutions? Possibly, but how does this jive with Jesus teachings on non-violence?

The sword of the Spirit? Um, no.

The key is what Jesus says next:

“For I tell you that this Scripture must be fulfilled in me: 'And he was numbered with the transgressors.' For what is written about me has its fulfillment.”

Jesus is preparing the disciples to be considered criminals, as He will be.

Up until this point, Jesus and the disciples were disliked by the religious leaders, but never considered criminals. However, this was all about to change.

And Jesus tells them that this had been foretold in Isaiah 53:12.

Isaiah 53:12 ESV

Therefore I will divide him a portion with the many, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong, because he poured out his soul to death and was numbered with the transgressors; yet he bore the sin of many, and makes intercession for the transgressors.

Thus, in their being ready, they needed to be ready even to be seen as common criminals because they follow Christ.

The focus isn't the swords, it's the preparations for the future.

Verses 38

They think Jesus is talking about literally needing swords, which is ridiculous because it goes against what Jesus had been teaching. Additionally, two swords against the Roman legions would do absolutely nothing.

“It is enough.”

Literally: "Enough of that kind of talk!"

Key Question: How does Jesus prepare His followers for trying times?

Jesus prays for His followers

This is the greatest source of hope in this section. Jesus prays for his disciples.

And He still does:

Romans 8:34 ESV

Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us.

Hebrews 7:25 ESV

Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them.

Jesus gives hope to His followers, even when we fail.

Peter would eventually learn a lesson we all must take to heart: Failure doesn't have to be the end of our story.

Failure in our discipleship always hurts, but it doesn't necessarily mean that God is through with us.

Jesus gives purpose to His followers, even when we fail.

Jesus words to Peter are important here. “And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.”

Those of us who have experienced failures in our discipleship are uniquely able to help others. Because we know it takes grace, forgiveness and mercy, and, at the same time, accountability and encouragement to turn from the sins that so easily ensnare us.

Grace recipients should be the best disciplers of other people.

Jesus taught us how to prepare for trying times:

Believe in God’s provision.

Nothing Jesus says in this section negates God’s provision for His people. He still provides for His people.

Know the difference between God’s provision and our presumptions.

We presume on God when we assume what we want is what God wants. That the thing we want most is the thing God wants most for us. That God’s provision for us is going to bring us worldly happiness. That success and blessing are the same thing.

Too many have zealously gone where Jesus did not call them to go, then expected to be supernaturally bailed out.

How can we tell?

God calls us to the Gospel ministry, which always points to Jesus.

God calls us to use our ministry strengths for His glory.

God will not send us somewhere, then change His mind.

God will not call you to the place you would have gone on your own.

Make peace with trying times.

This might be the hardest part!

The irony about Satan's sifting, that Jesus speaks of, is that while Satan means it for destruction, it can have a refining effect.

See, trying times can serve to draw us nearer to God, if we will truly seek Him in the midst of them.

However, it is never pleasant when we are experiencing it.

But, in the long run, God can use every circumstance for His glory:

Genesis 50:19–20 ESV

But Joseph said to them, “Do not fear, for am I in the place of God? As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today.