Vers. 14-19.-Inevitable trial and unfailin,q resources. Here we have one more illustration of the faithfulness of Jesus Christ toward his apostles. So far was he from encouraging in them the thought that their path would be one of easy conquest and delightful possession, that he was frequently warning them of a contrary experience. It was not his fault if they failed to anticipate hardship and suffering in the near f:iture; he told them plainly that his service meant the cross, with all its pain and shame. In reference to the apostles of our Lord, we have here- . I. 'l'HE SEVERITY OF THE TRIALS THAT WERE DF.FORE THEM. Jesus Christ had already indicated the fact that fidelity to his cause would entail severe loss and trial; here he goes into detail. He says that it will include: 1. General ea;ecration. 'l'hey ~ould be "hated of all men." This is s trial of no small severity; to move amonv men as if we were unworthy of their fellowship; to be condemned, to be despised, t~ be shunned by all men; to be the object of universal reprobation ;-this is a blow which, if it "breaks no bones," cuts into the spirit and wounds the heart with a deep injury. Fidelity to their Master and to their mission would entail this, 2. JJesertion and treachery on the 1,art of their own friends and kindred. (Ver. 16.) Very few so1Tows can be more piercing, more intolerable, than desertion by our own family, than betrayal by our dearest friends; it is the last and worst calamity when "our own familiar frieud lifts up his heel against us." Those who abandoned the old faith, or rather the Pharisaic version of it, and who followed Christ had to be prepared for this domestic and social sorrow. 3. JJealh. (Ver. 16.) II. THE UNFAILING RESOURCES ON WHICH THEY COULD DEPEND, 1. Everything they suffered would be endured for the sake of Jesus Christ; all would be" for my Name's eake" (ver.17). We know how the thought that they were experiencing wrong and undergoing shame for Chri~t's sake could not only alleviate, not only dissipa~e sorrow, but even turn it into joy (see Acts v. 41; Phil. i. 29). To suffer for Christ's sake could girn a thrill of sacred joy such as no pleasures could possibly afford. 2, They would have the shield of the Master's power (v~r. 18). Not a hair of their head should perish until he allowed it. That mighty Friend who had kept them in per~ect safety, though enemies were many and fierce, would be as near to them as ever. His presence would attend them, and no shaft should touch them which he did not wish to hurt them. 3. They should have the advantage of his auimating Spirit (vers. 14, 15). ·whenever wisdom or utterance should be needed, the Spirit of Christ would put thoughts into their mind and words into their lips. His animating power should be upon them, should dwell within them. 4. They should triumph in the end; not, indeed by martial victories, but by unyielding loyalty. " In patience" (in persistency in the ~-ight course)" they would possess their souls." Losing their life in noble martyr- dom, they would save it (eh. ix. 24); loving their life, they would lose it; but" hating their life in this world, they would keep it unto life eternal" ( John xii. 25). The bright promise of an unfading crown might cheer them on their way, and help them to 1,ursue without flagging the path of devoted loyalty. . APPLICATION. 1. Similar trials await the faithful now. 'l'he dislike, the aversion, the oppo8ition, of some, if not the active and strong hatred of all; the opposition, perhaps quiet enough, and yet ke~n and injurious enough, of our. own friend~ or relatives; loss, struggle, suffering, 1f not fatal consequences of enmity. Downright loyalty to Jesus Christ, tenacity and intensity of conviction, usually carry persecution and trial wiLb them, 2. We liave tlie same resource& the apostles had. (1) The constant, OH. xxr. 1-38.] THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST. LUKE. 191
sustaining, inspiring ecnso that we are enduring all for Christ our Saviour-for him who suffered all things for us. (2) His protecting care. (3) His i11dwellinn-, upholdin" Spirit. (4) 'l'he strong assurance that he will cause us to triumph, that lie will help us to be faithful unto death, and will then give us the crown of life; that by "patient continuance in well-doing" (patience, pertieverance) we sl ,all have "eternal life n (shall possess our souls).-C.