Daily Devotion: Like 22:24-38

On the night before Jesus dies, he talks with the disciples about the time he sent them out to proclaim his good news in the towns of Galilee. Back then, he told them to travel light: no purse, no extra bag or sandals. Now, he tells them to pack more carefully: purse, bag, sandals...and sword.
This text is only found in Luke's Gospel, and it has always been troubling to me. Is Jesus abandoning the way of peace at this crucial moment? Is it time for the disciples to take the fight to Jerusalem, and to Rome?
This thought may have popped up in the disciples' minds, but it's clear from what happens next that the answer is "no." Why would Jesus command his disciples to fight for him, then allow himself to be arrested and crucified? No, Jesus is still walking the way of peace. His battle is still against Sin and Death, not Herod or Caesar. But he is preparing his disciples for a longer, more dangerous journey. This is his way of saying, "This next trip is not just around the block. I'm asking you to go a long way, through some dangerous terrain, and it will get harder before it gets easier." There is no account in Luke or Acts of any of the disciples forced to actually use their swords. But they are called to be witnesses to the ends of the earth, for the Good News that Death has been defeated by Jesus the Messiah.
Thank you, Lord, for winning the war. Prepare us for any dangers on the path ahead. Amen.