It is Enough

And he said to them, “When I sent you out with no moneybag or knapsack or sandals, did you lack anything?” They said, “Nothing.” He said to them, “But now let the one who has a moneybag take it, and likewise a knapsack. And let the one who has no sword sell his cloak and buy one. 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.” And they said, “Look, Lord, here are two swords.” And he said to them, “It is enough” (Luke 22:35-38).

If we accept that Jesus Christ is sovereign over all of creation… “For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together” (Colossians 1:16-17), then we must accept that when He speaks, His words have a broad and deep application. In today’s discourse Jesus speaks about the immediate circumstances of the first disciples, about the time until His return, and about the hidden but vitally important spiritual world. He clearly revealed that His true disciples in every age will be engaged in a fierce battle in both the natural and spiritual realms. As he prepared the first disciples for victory and peace in the tumultuous days ahead, Christ gave assurance to all true disciples that He will meet our every need with the words it is enough.

In Christ, our nothing is enough. Have you ever found yourself in a situation or position where you felt unqualified or unequipped for the task at hand? Maybe you have a new friend or neighbor that you’re trying to witness to, or a new position at work, or you’re feeling called to serve in a new way at church, but you just don’t feel you have what it takes to succeed there. Join the crowd of those whom God has called and used in marvelous ways ever since Biblical times. Look to Him and trust His promise to give you exactly what you need to follow His leading… “And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19). When God meets the need of a humble but faithful servant, He gets the glory from our success. To our nothing Christ says, “It is enough”.

In Christ, our everything is enough. Here Jesus speaks about the things we do have. Whether we have much or little, when we understand holy stewardship and commit all we have to Christ, He will use it for His glorious purposes. Holy stewardship recognizes that we own nothing, but whatever we have is entrusted to us to be used for God’s holy purposes. The first evidence of holy stewardship is contentment beyond our possessions… “Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content” (Philippians 4:11). The evidence of maturing holy stewardship is an increasing revelation of God’s glory in our lives… “For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever” (Amen. Romans 11:36). To those who desire to glorify God with all we have Christ says, “It is enough”.

In Christ, God’s Word is enough. In the middle of this discourse Jesus inserted a reminder about His mission. He was soon to be crucified on a hill between two thieves. I believe He was exhorting the disciples to stay focused on God’s Word no matter how tumultuous the world around them became. He was our example. He had no earthly possessions beyond the clothes He wore as He marched diligently toward the cross… “Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head” (Luke 9:58). But He had the compelling certainty that His Father’s Word would be fulfilled and He knew His Father would bless Him with all He needed to play His special role in God’s plan. He offers Diligent disciples the same promise… “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and keep it!” (Luke 11:28). To those who study, trust, and obey His precious Word Christ says, “It is enough”.

As we grow up into Christ, our desire to glorify God intensifies and we know whatever we have, …

It is Enough.