These were his instructions: “Take nothing for the journey except a staff; no bread, no bag, no money in your belts. Wear sandals but not an extra shirt.” ~ Mark 6:8-9
“This bag is overweight. You’ll either have to remove some of the items, or you will have to pay extra.”
Dozens of people are waiting to check in behind you. Your flight is scheduled to leave in an hour, and there you are, rummaging through your piece of luggage to find a few items you can live without for the next week. Otherwise, you’ll be forced to pay an additional $25.
So… what do you get rid of? Do you really need two pairs of sneakers? Is your favorite pillow really that important?
That’s when it finally hits you. Why do I always do this? It’s not like I’m relocating… why have I packed so much stuff for a weeklong vacation?
When Jesus felt that his disciples were finally ready, he sent them out to spread his message. They would go in pairs, village to village. But before giving them their marching orders, he gave them a packing list: a walking staff, the clothing they were wearing, and a belt and sandals. Nothing more, nothing less.
Some of the twelve undoubtedly thought to themselves, “Is this man crazy? Doesn’t he know that we will need a change of clothes, food, toiletry items, towels, sleeping mat, and the like? What if it rains? Better yet – what are we going to eat and where are we going to sleep?”
But the Bible says they faithfully followed Jesus’ instructions, despite whatever concerns they probably had deep down.
“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, or what you will wear. Is not life more than food? The body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, yet your Heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? ~ Matthew 6: 25-26
Jesus was teaching his disciples an incredibly important lesson about what real faith looks like. In action. Essentially what he was telling them was this:
As long as you have me and as long as you trust what I say, your needs will be met!
Friend, few of us get through this life without experiencing an occasional need that we’re unsure about. But know this: God cares more about you and me than He does that beautiful red cardinal that occasionally pays us a visit in our backyards. We are valuable to Him. If we trust what the world says, we’re in deep trouble. But if we trust what He says, He will meet every need we will ever have.
No suitcases needed. Not even a carry-on. And most importantly – Christ has already paid our travel fares.
In all things and every circumstance, give thanks to the One whose love, mercy, and blessings are promised through Christ Jesus, our Lord and Savior! Amen.
Former Blackout Artist 